OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL MIXTURES IN NAIL POLISHES: A TOXICOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF LABELING IN MANICURE AND PEDICURE SERVICES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/bocav25n74-013Keywords:
Occupational Toxicology, Volatile Organic Compounds, Workers’ HealthAbstract
The beauty services sector has experienced significant growth, increasing the number of workers daily exposed to chemical products, particularly manicurists and pedicurists. Although nail polishes are classified as cosmetics considered safe for the final consumer, intensive professional use represents a distinct scenario of occupational exposure, characterized by frequent, prolonged, and cumulative contact with potentially harmful chemical mixtures, mainly through inhalation and dermal routes. This study aimed to analyze the chemical composition declared on the labeling of nail polishes used in manicure and pedicure services, identifying substances of occupational toxicological relevance and discussing their potential health risks in the context of chronic professional exposure. This is an observational, documentary, and cross-sectional study with a qualitative and quantitative approach, based on the analysis of nail polish labeling marketed and professionally used in the municipality of São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil, from February to May 2024. Samples were coded to avoid direct commercial comparisons, and the identified ingredients were classified according to their toxicological risk potential based on scientific literature and national and international regulatory documents. The results revealed a recurrent presence of organic solvents, such as isopropyl alcohol and acetates, as well as nitrocellulose, formaldehyde-based resins, toluene, phthalates, and synthetic colorants, which are associated with irritant, allergenic, neurotoxic, potentially carcinogenic, and bioaccumulative effects. It is concluded that manicurists and pedicurists are exposed to a relevant scenario of occupational chemical risk, highlighting the need to strengthen occupational health surveillance actions, improve regulatory frameworks, and implement educational strategies aimed at the safe professional use of cosmetic products.
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