Recent news stories on health hazards in the personal care industry have brought attention to these problems and NYS Governor Cuomo and advocates across the country are planning action to address these issues. Chemicals such as formaldehyde (http://nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/0946.pdf) released from some hair straighteners and methyl methacrylate (http://nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/1277.pdf) in artificial nails are some of the major concerns.
Both of these chemicals are breathing hazards and can cause other health problems. Using safer chemicals and the use of adequate ventilation are steps to reduce these hazards. Resources can be found below. Act now and stay healthy!
The targeted population are urban African-American hair salons in the Syracuse NY area.
Goals
- Provide education to assist salon owners with making informed purchasing decisions
- Educate Salon owners on prudent work practices and building conditions to remediate salon exposures and related adverse health effects such as: skin, respiratory, and reproductive systems
Resources
OSHA Health Hazards in Hair Salons: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/hairsalons/
Women’s Voices for the Earth: http://www.womensvoices.org/avoid-toxic-chemicals/salon-products/
Factsheets
The Healthy Hair Salon Project Pollution Prevention in the Hair Salon Factsheet #1
The Healthy Hair Salon Project Reducing your Exposures Factsheet #2
The Healthy Hair Salon Project Healthly Hair Salon Model Checklist Factsheet #3
For More Information
Project Contacts
Carla Wingate, LCSW
Greg Siwinski, CIH
6712 Brooklawn Parkway
Suite 204
Syracuse, NY 13211
Phone: 315-432-8899
Fax: 315-431-9528
Email: [email protected]