"MMA"

3. What You Can Do To Prevent Exposure
(Hand out to your Clients)
The Dangers of Methyl Methacrylate

What is Methyl Methacrylate?  Methyl Methacrylate, (or MMA) is a liquid monomer banned for use in the nail industry by the Food and Drug Administration.  MMA was used largely in the early 70's as an inexpensive substitute for conventional acrylic liquid.  It was banned due to the severe poisonous reactions it caused in customers and nail techs.

Why should I be concerned?  The use of MMA is on the rise in many "discount" nail salons to cut down on costs.  (MMA is approximately $180 cheaper per gallon than acrylic liquid.)  This is one of the reasons why these types of salons can charge such low prices.

What are some of the signs I should be aware of?  Nail salons using MMA will be very secretive about the brand names of the products they are using.  Nail techs will wear masks to avoid the poisonous chemicals MMA gives out.  Nails sculptured with MMA have a harder surface than regular acrylic nails and are very difficult and painful to remove.  (Sometimes taking up to 2 hours.) Nail techs will use drills instead of files because the surface of the nail is so hard.  There is also a distinctive odor to MMA, which is different from regular acrylic.

What are some of the symptoms?  Some of the symptoms caused by the use of MMA include, (1) tingling or numbness of the fingers, (2) whitening of the fingers (3} Deformity of the fingernails, (4) Severe allergic reaction, or even contact dermatitis.

What can I do to prevent exposure?  Recognizing the warning signs is the best way to prevent exposure.  Always make sure your nail tech has his/her license visibly posted.  Check to see if your nail tech is using products with name brand labels.  Don't be afraid to ask your nail tech questions about their products and procedures.  A properly trained nail tech will be more than happy to answer your questions.

Where can I get more information?  You can contact the Food and Drug Administration: www.FDA.gov.

- Link to PDF file on this article: Exposure, What You Can Do to Prevent

4. Keeping it Clean
(Hand out to your Clients)

What You Should Know About Sanitation?

 Why should I worry about sanitation?  All salons must follow the rules and regulations given to them by The State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.  Without proper sanitation methods, clients can be exposed to harmful bacteria, which can cause serious infections.  Many times, these infections, (such as Staph infections) can lead to the disfigurement of hands and feet and sometimes even the loss of fingers and toes.  More severe cases can involve the contraction of Hepatitis, or even AIDS. 

What are some of the violations I should be aware of?  Unfortunately, the State Board can't keep up with every nail salon, and there are some salons that choose to ignore the rules.  Some violations include not sanitizing implements, not washing hands before each client, dirty work stations, uncovered trash bins, reusing dirty paper towels and the illegal use of blades and needles.

What can I do to keep myself safe?  Know what to look for whenever you go to a salon.  Always take a look around the salon to make sure it is clean.  Other signs to look for:

·        Check to see that your nail technician has his/her license displayed.  If it is not displayed, ask to see it.

·        All implements and equipment should be properly sanitized before each use.

·        Make sure nail technicians sanitize their hands before every client.

·        Trash containers should have a proper lid or odor-free cover.

·        A nail technician should never use any type of blade or needle on you.

·        All containers should be labeled with a manufactures name.

Not all nail salons choose to ignore the rules.  A good nail technician cares about the quality of service you receive as well as your health and safety.  Ask questions about disinfectants and proper procedures.  Quality nail salons will be more than happy to answer your questions.

Where can I get more information?  For more information on proper sanitation procedures, or if you want to report a salon you feel is unsafe, contact the Consumer Affairs Hotline.  In California call (800) 952-5210. You can also the State Board of Cosmetology or the Better Business Bureau in your State.

- Link to PDF file on this article: Keeping it Clean Sanitation What You Should Know