Nail Salons - Outdoor Air Health Risk Assessment

This page last reviewed February 17, 2010

Background on the Draft Outdoor Health Risk Assessment (HRA) of Emissions from Nail Salons:

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is undertaking several efforts to evaluate the air quality impacts of the use of nail care products in California.

1. Nail Polish Remover

Nail Polish Remover (NPR) is currently regulated under the Consumer Products Regulations by CARB.  A one percent by weight volatile organic compound (VOC) limit took effect on December 31, 2007.

For more information regarding the regulation of NPR, see the Initial Statement of Reasons (ISOR), Proposed Amendments to the California Consumer Products Regulation and the Aerosol Coatings Regulation, release date: September 29, 2006.

2.  Nail Coatings

The focus of the 2003 Survey was primarily on identifying categories for an opportunity for VOC emission reductions.  After the 2003 Survey data were compiled, staff prioritized product categories for possible regulation.  Staff carefully reviewed the 2003 Survey data to evaluate if it were feasible to obtain emission reductions from nail coatings as a category for regulation.  Considering all available information, staff determined that nail coatings need further investigation before limits could be set.

3.  Outdoor air health risk assessment (HRA) of emissions from nail salons

CARB staff conducted a health risk assessment of emissions from nail salons in response to concerns raised by health organizations regarding the use of toxic air contaminants (TACs), xylene, toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate in nail coatings.  The goal of the HRA is to determine if the use of these compounds in nail coatings will impact the outdoor ambient air near nail salons at levels that pose health risks to the public (see Draft Report PDF - 1.67MB).  The report does not evaluate the impact on health of nail salon workers occupationally exposed to the TACs, or people breathing indoor air contaminated with nail salon emissions. 

If you have comments about this HRA, please contact Margaret Chu at (916) 323-6501.

For more information about CARB's Consumer Products Program activities, please contact David Mallory at (916) 445-8316.

For updates on nail care and other Consumer Products Program activities, please join our Consumer Products Listserv.

Nail Coatings Informal Regulatory Activity