Abstract  There are thousands of products used in hair, nail, and skin products seen in local salons that contain a number of hazardous chemicals that may pose health risks.  I will be comparing chemicals in both toxic and nontoxic products, their structures, and the dangers behind each toxic chemical.  I will be testing to see which soap, toxic or non-toxic, will clean a dirty towel better and be a more effective product.  Hypothesized the toxic soap will clean better.  There should be less of these toxic organic chemical compounds found in products to decrease the harmful dangers.

Purpose  Create awareness of these toxic chemicals in hair, nail, and skin products.  Educate on the benefits of organic/non-toxic products out there on the market.

Introduction  More than 375,000 salon technicians face possible health hazards every day.  Health effects such as asthma and other respiratory illnesses, skin disorders, liver disease, reproductive loss, and cancer.  Workers and clients absorb up to 60% of what we put on our skin.  According to President's Cancer Panel only 10% of cancer is genetic and 90% is caused by environmental factors.

Products Toxic  Garnier Fructis Style Curl Construct Mousse  Essie Nail Polish  Antibacterial Foaming Hand Soap Nontoxic  Aveda- be curly Style-Prep  Butter London Nail Polish  A La Maison Liquid Soap

Chemicals Found  (Poly) Quanternium = Skin toxicant, eye irritant & allergen. This Is a formaldehyde-releasing preservative. May lead to contact dermatitis. Hairdressers exposed to this long-term have almost 5 times as many antibodies which lead to an increased risk of allergic reactions to anesthesia.  Parabens = Easily penetrate the skin. They can mimic estrogen and have been detected in human breast cancer tissues  Parfum/Fragrance = Triggers allergic attacks in 3 out of 4 people. Exposure to this can lead to exacerbate asthma. Skin irritation, runny eyes and runny nose symptoms.  PEG / Sodium Laureth Sulfate = Composed on ethylene oxide (harmful to the nervous system) & 1,4-dioxane (remains in the environment for a long time, irrigation to the skin and eyes). Both these chemicals are human carcinogens

Chemicals Cont.  Siloxanes (-methicone )= Interferes with human hormone function and reproductive toxicant that may impair human fertility. Cause uterine tumors and harm to the reproductive and immune systems.  Toluene = Temporary effects include tiredness, confusion, weakness, nausea, and memory loss. Chronically it can effect liver, kidney damage, birth defects, hearing and color vision damage, reduced ability in tests of cognitive and neuromuscular function and neurotoxic symptoms. Toxicity to the immune system and also possibly with blood cancers such as malignant lymphoma.  Styrene = Effects your nervous system, color vision, tiredness, feeling drunk, slowed reaction time, concentration problems, and balance problems. This is a human carcinogen and leads to cancer.

Chemicals Cont.  Formaldehyde = Human carcinogen. Link to leukemia. Causes allergic skin reactions and rashes.  Butyl Acetate/ Ethyl Acetate= Eye, skin, and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness. Chronically leads to dermatitis.  Isobutane (same as propane) = Irritation to skin, eyes and/or lungs. Organ system toxicity and also inhalation can cause coughing, wheezing, and labored breathing.

Action Project  Where Bishop Guertin High School  To whom = AP Chemistry Class (Sophomores/Juniors)  What = Awareness of Green Chemistry and the dangers of toxins in salon products & Test which soap is more effective for cleaning

Experiment  Toxic Soap  $8.48 for 32 ounces  26.5 cents per ounce  Non-toxic Soap (green)  $4.99 for 16.9 ounces  30 cents per ounce

Results  After each towel soaked in one soap for 5 minutes..

Discussion: Prevention  Let in fresh air in salons  Use proper personal protective equipment (e.g. nitrile gloves, avoid latex or vinyl)  Use a paper dust mask  Wear long sleeve shirts & wash clothes separately from other clothes  Avoid using disinfectants that contain quaternary ammonium

References  Anastas, P. T. & Warner, J. C. (1998) Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice. Oxford University Press: New York. Pg 30. Retrieved from green-chemistry/principles/12-principles-of-green- chemistry.html  Catherine Porter (2011) Policy Recommendations to Reduce Toxic Exposures for Nail Salon Workers. AAPI Nexus: Policy, Practice and Community: 2011, Vol. 9, No. 1-2, pp Retrieved from 2.b48h74316h56v04r  Health Hazards in Nail Salons. (2011, May 1). Retrieved from  Miller, K. (2015, May 8). Nail Salon Workers Face Health Risks - And They're Not The Only Ones. Retrieved from health-risks-and-theyre html health-risks-and-theyre html  Prevention, P. (2004). A Guide to Protect the Health of Nail Salon Workers and their Working Environment. Retrieved from