Board of Supervisors President David Chiu is using “encouragement” legislation to try and convince San Francisco’s 200 nail salons to discontinue use of products containing three toxins.
Referred to as the “toxic trio,” toluene, dibutyl phthalate or formaldehyde found in nail products can be harmful to pregnant women, and cause headaches, nausea and asthma.
The legislation, which is before the Board of Supervisors for a vote Tuesday, is meant to protect the industry’s estimated 1,800 workers, along with its customers.
If approved, the Department of the Environment would create a Healthy Nail Salon Recognition program that would inform the public about nail salons that use toxin-free products.
Within two years, the department is required to report to the board on the effectiveness of the program.
