New York City public advocate looks to improve nail salon safety

NEW YORK -- Nail salons are full of potentially dangerous chemicals, and now, New York City is investigating what those chemicals might be doing to the health of both customers and employees.

Salons are a roughly $7 billion-a-year industry in this country, and when it comes to exposure to the chemicals used in the shops, questions have been raised about safety, especially for workers who spend hours breathing them in.

On Monday, New York City Public Advocate Letitia James spoke about the issue, unveiling a new policy report that focuses on ways to improve health and safety.

James highlighted six key recommendations, including ensuring cleaner air in salons, offering protective gear and beefing up the number of inspections.

There are roughly 2,000 licensed nail salons in the five boroughs and about 3,000 more in the state, but there are just 27 inspectors to cover all that territory.

James is hoping this report serves as an educational campaign.

"As opposed to the stick approach, we would provide the carrot," she said. "It's really education. It's not our intent to close down these businesses. It's our intent to provide information and to inform the individuals and to empower women and men who work at the salons, as well as the customers."