New York City officials call for more nail salon regulations

NEW YORK -- Nails salons are big business. but is it a safe one for both customers and employees? Not all the time, officials say, and some nail techs say the tools they use are making them sick.

"The chemical makes a breathing problem, and the dust makes our noses blocked and have breathing problem," nail tech Sri Janamalla said.

A new bill designed to ensure safe conditions was introduced to the New York City Council committees on health and consumer affairs Friday, making new requirements for salons.

Public Advocate Letitia James joined the fight for improved safety standards.

"Some argue that there's respiratory problems and reproductive health," she said. "And they cause cancer."

An experts from the health department testified at the hearing, saying toxic fumes are the biggest concern during inspections.

"Often this involves requiring the salon owner to improve or install a ventilation system to prevent odors from entering neighboring spaces," said Nancy Clark, assistant commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

In order to be licensed in the city, salons would have to have that ventilation. Plus, they'd have to post a pamphlet so employees know their rights and how to avoid dangerous conditions.

"We're here make sure that nail salons are healthy and safe for everyone," Nepali Workers advocate Luna Ranjit said.

There are currently only 33 salon inspectors for the entire state, which has 5,000 licensed salons -- 2,000 of which are in New York City -- and part of the law would add more.

The City Council is also considering a bill that would assign letter grades to nail salons.

That program would be similar to the system used for restaurants. An eatery given an "A'' is considered cleaner than one given a "B'' and so on.

The Independent Budget Office released a study that said such a program for nail salons would cost about $7 million a year.

It costs the city $18 million annually to inspect restaurants.