Nail salon workers across the country are being exposed every day to harsh, toxic chemicals — many of which have been directly linked to cancer, respiratory illness, reproductive harm, and birth defects.

The people most affected are overwhelmingly women, immigrants, and low-wage workers with few legal protections and even fewer workplace health safeguards.

One nail technician recently spoke out about how years of exposure impacted her own health — and her child’s. She’s not alone. Studies have shown that common ingredients in nail polish, glues, and solvents include known endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, and toxic compounds like formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate.

Despite mounting scientific evidence, there are still no federal safety standards governing what chemicals can be used in nail salon products — or how salons must protect their workers. The products may be legal, but that doesn’t make them safe.

This lack of regulation is not just a workplace issue — it’s a racial and environmental justice issue. Many of the workers affected are Asian American or Latina women, and many speak out only at great personal risk. No one should have to choose between a job and their long-term health — or their child’s.

We call on Congress, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish and enforce strong national safety standards for chemicals used in nail salons.

This includes:

• Banning or phasing out the most dangerous ingredients
• Mandating salon ventilation standards
• Requiring clear ingredient labeling and exposure warnings
• Funding education and outreach to protect workers in multiple languages.

Add your name to demand safe salons for the people who make others feel beautiful — and deserve to be safe doing it.