Answer Happy

You are the industrial hygienist for a company that provides artificial fingernails to salons. The nail technicians at one of your company's largest buyers are complaining of dermatitis, inflammation of mucous membranes of the eyes and nose, and allergy-type symptoms. You are sent to investigate the possible impacts of fingernail products on the technicians. Hopefully, the first question you would ask is: “What chemical is contained in artificial nail products that may result in these health symptoms?” Well, what is it? (50 point question) Now that you have found the possible chemical cause, answer the following: What exposure pathway(s) exist for this chemical in the salon setting? How would you initially determine if the chemical is present? What type(s) of monitoring devices or measurement tools will you use? What types of controls would you recommend for minimizing potential exposure to the chemical? Be specific. What type of air monitoring would you recommend, if any, for monitoring the exposure of the technicians after instituting the controls? What NIOSH or OSHA Method is best for this action? Here's a hint: American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal(1997): 58(3): 214-218.