March 28, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica Recognizes Four Healthy Nail Salons For Creating Safer Environments:

Four nail salons in Santa Monica were recognized in an intimate ceremony on Monday for their collaborative efforts to make healthier work environments while also promoting a “green” agenda and promoting safer products to its customers.

Cute Nails, Nancy’s Nails, Santa Monica Beach Nail Spa, and Tracy’s Nail Spa are part of the California Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative and

have each met the requirements to be designated as a “Healthy Nail Salon.”

The four salons were honored in a ceremony coordinated by the City’s Office of Sustainability and the Environment and recognized with commendations presented by Mayor Pam O’Connor and Mayor Pro Tem Terry O’Day.

It is the first time any Southern California location received the designation of “Healthy Nail Salon.”

“We hope your example will spread to other salons … (for the benefit of) workers throughout Santa Monica in this field, and, frankly, in our region,” O’Connor told the owners of the four nail salons recognized. “Santa Monica is often the catalyst. You’re on the frontier.”

In July 2013, Santa Monica and the California Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative launched the Healthy Nail Salon Program.

According to the City’s Office of Sustainability and the Environment, the Healthy Nail Salon Program is “devoted to supporting healthier and safer practices” and aims “to reward nail salons that make safer choices for their employees, customers, and the environment.”

The reason for the Healthy Nail Salon Program: the everyday use of toluene, dibutyl phthalate, and formaldehyde.

The commendation given to each of the nail salons stated the purpose of the partnership between Santa Monica and the California Healthy Nail Salon Collective as “a voluntary program available to nail salons across the city to promote healthier and safer nail salon environments for technicians and customers.”

According to City staff, nail technicians are regularly exposed to harmful and toxic chemicals for a prolonged period of time. Toluene, dibutyl phthalate, and formaldehyde are known as the “toxic trio,” City staff said, and can cause cancer, birth defects, and miscarriages.

“On a daily basis, for long hours, nail salon owners and workers handle solvents, glues, polishes and other beauty care products containing a multitude of chemicals known or suspected to cause cancer, allergies, and respiratory, neurological and reproductive harm,” City staff said in an issued statement.

Further, the commendations stated: “to reduce exposure to these chemicals, the Healthy Nail Salon Program requires that salons go through a rigorous checklist of safety measures including use of gloves by all technicians, installation of localized ventilation, hours of training for all employees, and choosing safer nail products.”

There are about 120 nail technicians working in 30 licensed nail salons in Santa Monica, according to City Hall. Statewide, there are more than 121,000 nail technicians working in an estimated 48,000 nail salons.

In Santa Monica, salons must adhere to very specific requirements in order to be designated as a “Healthy Nail Salon.” Specifically, the salon must “follow a list of specific requirements that reduce exposure to these chemicals and improve other health and safety measures.”

Among the requirements: avoid polishes containing the toxic trio; require all technicians to use nitrile gloves; improve ventilation within the salon; and, ensure technicians are kept abreast of all health and safety information.

Each of the four nail salons recognized March 3 met the requirements.

“No one should have to sacrifice their health and be exposed to chemicals,” Karl Bruskotter of Office of Sustainability and the Environment said.

According to City staff, the California Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative conducted a survey of hundreds of consumers on the Third Street Promenade. The results revealed about 80 percent “support a city program that calls on nail salons to use less toxic products” while 95 percent of respondents “would be more likely to go to a less toxic salon than one that is not.”

The ceremony was held at Nancy’s Nails.

More information about the California Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative and the nail salon community can be found at www.cahealthynailsalons.org.

in News
Related Posts

 (Video) Philz Coffee Set to Close Westside Location Next Month

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Franchise Recently Made Headlines for Changing Headquarters @smmirrornews Philz is closing its Santa Monica shop #coffeeaddict #coffee #coffeeshop #losangeles...

Fleurs et Sel Bakery Opens Storefront in West Adams, Welcomes Customers Three Days a Week

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Indulge in Freshly Baked Cookies at the New West Adams Location Fleurs et Sel Bakery, known for its delectable cookies...

Easter Specials Guide: Brunch Spots, Desserts, and More in West Los Angeles

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Discover the Best Easter Eats and Treats in LA for Your Holiday Celebration Easter is almost here, so here are...

Famous Literary Critic and Palisadian Passes Away at 92

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

A Memoriam Post Stated She Overturned Views on T. S. Eliot, Ezra Pound and Other Canonized Artists By Zach Armstrong...

Mixed-Use Development Set for Sloping Property along Chautauqua Boulevard

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

“Canyon Place” Is Set to Include Two Apartment Units and 1,415 Sq. Ft. of Office Space By Zach Armstrong A...

Over Five Miles of Venice Blvd. to Temporarily Close, Become Public Park in April

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Initiative, Which Started in 2010, Aims to Connect Communities and Promote Sustainable Transportation Options On Sunday, April 21 from...

(Video) Workers Strike at Luxury Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Unite Here Local 11 Recently Announced a Contract Was Ratified at 34 Hotels @smmirrornews Workers are striking at Proper...

(Video) Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE at the Beyond Fest Screening...

Historic Union Contract Ratified by Thousands of Hotel Workers At 34 Hotels

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

UNITE HERE Local 11 Negotiates Agreement Ensuring Wage Increases  Hotel workers, who spearheaded the largest hotel strike in modern U.S....

Teen Kung Fu Coming to Pali Rec Center

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

This 8-week session, priced at $160, commences in April 2024 Palisades Recreation Center introduces Teen Kung Fu classes, fostering a...

After Securing $200K Grant, City Embarks on Action Plan for Older Adults, People with Disabilities and Caregivers

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The City Will Engage Experts, Nonprofit Partners, Commissioners, and Stakeholders to Spearhead the Planning Process The city of Santa Monica...

City Commences Phase 2 of Beach Restoration Project

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Project Will Enlarge the Habitat for Significant Native Species, Including the Federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover Phase 2 of...

Caltrans Extends Closure on Topanga Canyon Boulevard Due to Mud and Rockslide

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

PCH Closure on March 26 Adds to Local Road Closures, Seek Alternative Routes The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has...

Animal Rights Groups Demand an End to Turtle Racing at Brennan’s Pub

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Organization Says Its Tried to Contact the Westside Bar for Months By Zach Armstrong Among its numerous entertainment events...

SMC Unveils Spring 2024 Issue of Acclaimed Literary Journal, Author Readings Coming in April

March 24, 2024

March 24, 2024

The Issue Presents a Mix of New, Returning, and Debut Writers, Reflecting Diversity and Enduring Relationships Santa Monica College announced...