Two Richmond District nail salons receive environmental award from the City

Earlier this month, two Richmond District nail salons were recognized by the San Francisco Department of the Environment for making safer choices for their employees, customers, and the environment.

Salon Belle Linda (4448 California) and T & T Nails (405 Arguello) both achieved Healthy Nail Salon designation from the city.

The city has 250 nail salons and the technicians that work there are typically women of reproductive age. As a result, the city has increased efforts to encourage nail salons to help reduce their exposure to toxic chemicals commonly found in polishes and other products. Among the most harmful chemicals found are Toluene, Dibutyl phthalate, and Formaldehyde. Commonly known as the “toxic trio,” these chemicals have been linked to cancer, birth defects, and miscarriages.

Being designated a Healthy Nail Salon requires that businesses meet a thorough checklist of safety measures including:

• Technicians wearing protective gloves
• Designated areas for artificial nails with a localized ventilation system to reduce indoor odors
• Polishes and Lacquers without: Toluene, Dibutyl phthalate, or Formaldehyde
• Nail Polish Thinners without: Toluene or Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)
• Nail Polish Removers without Ethyl or butyl acetate
• Artificial Nails without Methyl methacrylate (Banned by the FDA)

The program also requires training for all salon employees on the safer practices and chemicals.

“I’m very glad to be participating in the San Francisco Healthy Nail Salon program. I was nervous at first because I thought it might be hard to do, or might cost too much money, but in the end the staff at the department of the environment helped me out a lot. I feel so much better now knowing that my employees and customers are safe from harmful chemicals,” said Tony Dao owner of Salon Bella Linda on California Street.

Look for the Healthy Nail Salon program seal at Salon Belle Linda and T&T Nails, or at the other healthy salons across the city.

Congrats to our Richmond District businesses for taking a healthy step for their customers and employees!

Sarah B.