Scientists at the City University of New York (CUNY) have found that concentrations of volatile organic compounds in the air of nail salons can briefly reach levels comparable to those found in certain chemical manufacturing facilities. The study also identified potential health risks for employees who are exposed to cosmetic fumes on a daily basis.
The findings were published on November 5, 2026, in the scientific journal *Risk Analysis*. The study was conducted by a team of experts led by Michael Ierardi of the City University of New York School of Public Health. The popular science publication *ScienceAlert* reported on the findings on November 6.
The scientists studied air quality in five nail salons in New York City. Measurements were taken between April 2023 and March 2024. In each salon, the researchers monitored the concentration of volatile organic compounds for approximately one workweek, recording readings every minute.
This approach made it possible to detect short-term spikes in chemical concentrations that typically go unnoticed in standard measurements of average pollution levels over an eight-hour work shift.
According to the study, the median concentration of volatile organic compounds was 15.1 parts per million (ppm). At the same time, the median value for peak concentrations, averaged over 15-minute intervals, reached 31.4 ppm.
In one of the salons surveyed, the peak 15-minute concentration was 113 ppm, which is more than seven times the overall median value.
According to study lead author Michael Ierardi, certain short-term concentrations were comparable to levels observed at industrial facilities that produce or use large volumes of chemicals.
However, the researcher noted that industrial facilities are generally subject to stricter occupational safety regulations and are equipped with ventilation systems and personal protective equipment.
In nail salons, such measures are often implemented to a much lesser extent.
The majority of the pollutants consisted of solvents widely used in the cosmetics industry.
Among the most common compounds, the researchers identified ethyl acetate, acetone, butyl acetate, and methyl acetate.
These substances are found in nail polish, nail polish remover, and other products used during manicures.
In addition, methacrylates—used in the application of artificial nails—as well as small concentrations of benzene were detected in the air.
The researchers paid particular attention to benzene, as long-term exposure to this substance is associated with an increased risk of developing cancer.
Although the measured benzene concentrations were relatively low, the estimated lifetime carcinogenic risk in several salons under certain exposure scenarios exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) guideline level of one additional case per million people.
However, the authors emphasize that these are the results of mathematical modeling of potential risks, not actual cases of cancer identified among employees.
Further long-term studies of workers’ health will be needed to establish a direct link between working in nail salons and the development of cancer.
One of the study’s key findings was that traditional methods of assessing air pollution do not always reflect the actual nature of workers’ exposure to harmful substances.
Typically, concentrations of chemical compounds are measured as an average over a work shift. However, in nail salons, pollution levels can spike sharply during specific procedures.
Such short-term spikes can occur when using solvents, applying artificial coatings, and performing other procedures involving cosmetic materials.
As a result, an employee may be repeatedly exposed to intense levels of chemicals, even if the average daily concentration remains relatively low.
Researchers found that the measured concentrations of individual substances generally did not exceed current occupational exposure limits. However, modeling that accounted for concentration fluctuations indicated a potential increase in non-cancer and carcinogenic risks under certain conditions.
Exposure to such chemical compounds may be associated with eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, and nervous system disorders.
At the same time, the new study did not directly assess employees’ symptoms or determine the causes of each short-term increase in concentration.
The authors also point out that current occupational safety standards do not always account for the specific needs of certain groups of workers, including women of reproductive age, who make up a significant portion of the staff at nail salons.
According to the researchers, one of the most effective ways to reduce exposure to volatile organic compounds remains proper ventilation.
Standard medical and cloth masks, which manicurists sometimes use, do not provide reliable protection against chemical vapors.
Experts recommend using effective systems to remove contaminated air, ensuring a supply of fresh air, keeping containers of chemicals closed, and storing used materials in lidded containers.
A previous study by CUNY researchers, published in August 2025, found that improving ventilation in nail salons reduced the concentration of volatile organic compounds by 16–74%, depending on the measures taken.
In one salon not equipped with mechanical ventilation, regularly opening windows and doors reduced pollutant concentrations by 82%.
At the same time, the researchers note that implementing effective ventilation can impose additional costs on small businesses.
The impact of chemical compounds on nail salon customers requires a separate study.
Unlike employees, customers typically spend only a limited amount of time indoors; therefore, the results of occupational risk assessments cannot be automatically applied to customers.
The study’s authors emphasize that the data are based on measurements taken at only five salons in New York City and do not allow for conclusions about air quality in all nail salons in the United States or other countries.
Sources: Risk Analysis, original study from November 5, 2026; CUNY, study announcement from November 5, 2026; ScienceAlert, publication from November 6, 2026.
