Improved Ventilation in NYC Nail Salons Significantly Reduces Toxic Air Exposure

A recent pilot study conducted by researchers from the City University of New York highlights the impact of enhanced ventilation strategies in reducing harmful airborne chemicals in New York City nail salons. The study observed six nail salons across Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan, utilizing real-time air quality monitors to measure volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—chemicals associated with respiratory issues, headaches, and long-term health risks.

The findings demonstrate that implementing straightforward ventilation improvements, such as consistently running exhaust fans or opening doors and windows, can lead to substantial reductions in VOC levels—up to 82% in some cases. Overall, these interventions resulted in an average decrease of approximately 44% in chemical exposure for salon workers.

The effectiveness of ventilation modifications varied among salons. Salons equipped with both general exhaust ventilation (GEV) and local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems experienced notable improvements. Conversely, salons relying solely on LEV saw minimal change, although one salon not using mechanical ventilation managed to achieve significant VOC reductions by creating cross-drafts through open doors and windows.

Despite New York State’s 2016 regulation mandating upgraded ventilation systems in salons, compliance remains inconsistent. Challenges include high installation costs, inadequate training, and technical obstacles. Additionally, salon owners often weighed worker health against customer comfort, as some ventilation systems can produce noise or disruptions.

Lead researcher Rachel L. Thompson emphasizes that affordable, natural ventilation strategies can meaningfully improve air quality in these workplaces. However, she advocates for clearer guidance and enhanced training to empower owners and workers to effectively utilize existing ventilation options.

With nearly 4,000 nail salons employing thousands of primarily immigrant workers, enhancing ventilation is deemed a critical occupational health priority, aiming to safeguard workers from hazardous chemical exposure.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-ventilation-sharply-toxic-air-nyc.html