Nail Dust
Nail dust can be a major issue in salons, and within your work as a nail technician, possibly causing a number of health related issues from irritations and skin problems to allergic reactions. It is important, if you want to have a long career within the nail industry, to reduce nail dust as much as possible by using the proper working practices.
There are several different categories of dust:
Larger dust particles – this is the least impactful and the easiest to deal with. Large dust particles will settle on surfaces and can be swept up. Typically, because of their size, large particles are not breathed in or inhaled, instead they are caught and captured by the bodies clever defensive mechanisms, for example, nose hairs.
Small dust particles and ultrafine dust particles – these are more dangerous as they can be breathed in and can get the bloodstream via the lungs.
To reduce the risk of dust in the air it is best to have a local extraction fitted into your desk or a unit that is beside your desk with an arm that should be sited close to the hands.
Make sure it is a dust extractor that can capture even the smallest size of dust particles. Clean the filters as often as the manufacturer recommends.
Cover your desk with several layers of paper towels, and dispose of them during and at the end of any service.
After each client, wipe down your desk with a damp cloth, and have a good routine of cleaning all surfaces in a salon.
To protect yourself, personal protective equipment, masks and gloves should be worn especially if your services create a lot of dust or you use an e-file.
Make sure all your nail overlays are properly cured! If they are not, then, during removal unreacted monomer will be released in the dust and this can be a major cause of allergic reactions.
