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Subj: [HEALTHE] ARTICLE: HAIR AND NAIL SALONS LINKED TO INFECTIOUS

DISEASES

Date: 4/5/99 10:32:10 AM Central Daylight Time

From: Enviroknow@... (Andi DesJardins)

Sender: HEALTHE@... (Health and Environment Resource Center)

Reply-to: HEALTHE@...HEALTHE@...

(Health and Environment Resource Center)

To: HEALTHE@...

Missy Gough, , ext. 384, mgough@...

Klickmann, , ext. 341, kklickmann@...

EMBARGOED UNTIL MARCH 20, 1999

HAIR AND NAIL SALONS LINKED TO INFECTIOUS DISEASES

NEW ORLEANS (March 20, 1999) - A visit to a hair or nail salon usually

conjures up images of beauty, pampering and relaxation. But while salons and

day spas are known for helping their patrons look good, research suggests

that these types of establishments could actually make customers feel sick by

transmitting contagious diseases.

Speaking today at the American Academy of Dermatology's 57th Annual Meeting

in New Orleans, dermatologist A. Sekula, MD, Chairman, Legislation

Committee, Texas Dermatological Society, discussed potential health risks to

hair and nail salon customers and suggested modifying current cosmetology and

barbering industry regulations.

Before AIDS and hepatitis became household names, the cosmetology and

barbering industry were under little scrutiny as risks for spreading

infectious diseases. However, since the 1980s, an epidemic of bloodborne

diseases has forced a reexamination of the beauty industry.

Based on her experience in Texas, it is Dr. Sekula's belief that legislators

and public health officials need to look seriously at the risks that threaten

both clients and operators of the beauty industry. " Poorly trained

technicians using dirty instruments are a cause of great concern for

consumers, " said Dr. Sekula.

The health risks associated with the beauty industry include viral infections

such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, and warts; bacterial infections such as

staphylococcus, streptococcus, and psuedomonas; fungal infections such as

athlete's foot, nail fungus and yeast; reactions to nail, hair and facial

products such as hand eczema, eyelid dermatitis, chemical burns, and loss of

hair or nails; toxicity from acrylic and lacquer fumes; inappropriate use of

chemical peeling solutions; and the delayed

diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer and other skin diseases because of

failure to refer clients.

Although each of these risks poses considerable health problems for

consumers, there are simple ways beauty establishments can modify their

current practices and reduce the potential transmission of infectious

diseases. Dr. Sekula explained that using disposable instruments whenever

possible, properly sterilizing instruments, employing proper hand washing

practices, and teaching the Center for Disease Control's (CDC) " universal

precautions " in cosmetology and barber schools would virtually eliminate the

risks of contracting viral, bacterial and fungal infections.

" Since there is an inherent risk that customers may accidentally be cut

during a routine hair or nail appointment, it makes sense to use sterile

instruments, " said Dr. Sekula. " Nail clippers, acrylic nail drills, cuticle

scissors, callus paring blades, reusable razors and blades all have the

potential to transmit infectious diseases if they are not properly

sterilized. Unfortunately, we are finding that not all salons are following

this simple rule of thumb. "

In the last 10 years, the CDC published " universal precautions " - or treating

everyone's blood, body fluids and tissues as infectious - to help reduce the

risk of contracting bloodborne diseases. The universal guidelines require

using protective measures with all people, regardless of their infection

status. Although the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

adopted these guidelines for health care workers, EMTs, police officers,

funeral workers and other professions in 1991, they left the decision of

whether or not to adhere to universal precautions up to the cosmetologist and

barber employers. State licensing boards implement safety regulations on a

state-by-state basis, but regulations are weak.

" As more and more consumers frequent hair and nail salons each year, the risk

of becoming infected with hepatitis, HIV and other transmittable diseases

increases as well, " said Dr. Sekula. " I believe that states need to take a

more proactive stance on this issue by ensuring that workers in the

cosmetology and barber industry are educated on the risks of their

profession, understand ways to prevent transmitting diseases and receive

proper vaccines to safeguard themselves and their clients. "

Among the diseases that have the potential to be transmitted at a hair or

nail salon, hepatitis B and C pose the biggest threat to public health. There

are over 5 million people infected with hepatitis in the U.S. Every year,

approximately 100,000 people in the U.S. contract hepatitis B - which is 100

times more contagious than HIV. Between 28,000 and 140,000 people contract

hepatitis C. Hepatitis B can be infectious for at least a week on surfaces

commonplace to salons such as headrests, chairs, and tools and instruments.

There is now evidence that hepatitis C, which prior to 1990 was commonly

transmitted through blood transfusions, can be transmitted by razors, nail

files and barber's scissors, among other things.

" Salon regulations need to shift from focusing on the aesthetic features of

the salon such as the architectural d?cor and shampoo bowl size to educating

the profession on ways to enhance beauty in a safe manner for workers and

clients alike, " said Dr. Sekula.

The American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most

influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a

membership over 11,000 dermatologists worldwide, the Academy is committed to:

advancing the science and art of medicine and surgery related to the skin;

advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in

dermatology; supporting and enhancing patient care; and promoting a lifetime

of healthier skin, hair, and nails. For more information, contact the AAD at

1-888-462-DERM or www.aad.org.

# # #

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Subject: [HEALTHE] ARTICLE: HAIR AND NAIL SALONS LINKED TO INFECTIOUS

DISEASES

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