Goldin Laura J, Ansher Liza, Berlin Ariana, Cheng Jenny, Kanopkin Deena, Khazan Anna, Kisivuli Meda, Lortie Molly, Bunker Peterson Emily, Pohl Laura, Porter Sam, Zeng Vivian, Skogstrom Tiffany, Fragala Matt A, Myatt Theodore A, Stewart James H, Allen Joseph G
Environmental Studies, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, MS055, Waltham, MA, 02453, USA,
J Immigr Minor Health. 2014 Jun;16(3):508-14. doi: 10.1007/s10903-013-9856-y.
Employees in nail salons, largely Vietnamese immigrant women in Boston, are exposed to a range of volatile organic chemicals from the products used in salons, including solvents, glues and polishes. Some of these chemicals have the potential to cause short and long-term adverse health effects. Only limited research has been performed on assessing occupational exposures. This project aimed to characterize total volatile organic compound (TVOC) and PM2.5 concentrations in nail salons as a function of ventilation, building characteristics, customer and employee occupancy, and type of services being performed. Students conducted sampling in 21 salons in Boston, MA from September to December, 2011. Study visits included: indoor environmental quality measurements (TVOCs, PM2.5 and carbon dioxide), site observations, and an interview. CO2 levels in 15 of 21 salons exceeded 800 ppm, suggesting that these salons may have insufficient ventilation. Higher TVOC and PM2.5 levels were found in salons with less ventilation (as estimated using CO2 concentrations). Contrary to our a priori hypothesis, average levels of TVOCs, CO2 and PM2.5 were consistent throughout salons, indicating that exposures may not be restricted to areas in the salon where work is being performed (e.g., at the manicure table). Higher TVOC concentrations were observed when tasks were being performed, yet were not dependent upon the number of tasks being performed. Improving ventilation conditions in salons to meet minimum outdoor air delivery requirements can reduce exposures to TVOCs.
美甲沙龙的员工，在波士顿主要是越南移民女性，会接触到沙龙中使用的一系列挥发性有机化合物，包括溶剂、胶水和指甲油。其中一些化学物质有可能造成短期和长期的健康不良影响。关于评估职业暴露的研究非常有限。该项目旨在描述美甲沙龙中总挥发性有机化合物（TVOC）和PM2.5浓度与通风、建筑特征、顾客和员工人数以及所提供服务类型之间的关系。2011年9月至12月，学生们在马萨诸塞州波士顿的21家美甲沙龙进行了采样。研究访问包括：室内环境质量测量（TVOCs、PM2.5和二氧化碳）、现场观察和访谈。21家沙龙中有15家的二氧化碳水平超过800 ppm，这表明这些沙龙可能通风不足。通风较少的沙龙（根据二氧化碳浓度估算）中TVOC和PM2.5水平较高。与我们的先验假设相反，整个沙龙的TVOCs、二氧化碳和PM2.5平均水平是一致的，这表明暴露可能不限于沙龙中进行工作的区域（例如美甲桌旁）。在进行任务时观察到较高的TVOC浓度，但这并不取决于所执行任务的数量。改善美甲沙龙的通风条件以满足最低室外空气输送要求可以减少对TVOCs的暴露。
