Why The Beauty Industry Needs Fume Extraction

Beauty technicians are essential for making everybody feel and look good – however, did you know that the fumes in beauty parlours could be putting these technicians at risk? Whether it’s a nail salon or the hairdressers, staff in the beauty industry who are consistently exposed to glues, removers, polishes, emollients, and other salon products on a daily basis, are at risk of negative health effects. This is where fume extraction systems step in to remove harmful chemicals and fumes from the air.

What salon products contain harmful chemicals?

Long term exposure to these chemicals can cause detrimental health effects such as respiratory illnesses, cancer, reproductive issues, skin disorders and other illnesses. These types of chemicals can be found in products such as:

• Peroxides
• Keratin treatments
• Chemical peels
• Nail polishes, removers and solvents
• Nail enamels and hardeners
• Shampoos
• Hair dyes and bleaches
• Acrylic and gel nail systems
• Wax solvents
• Brow and lash tenants

Chemical hazards in a beauty salon

These products are known to release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the form of fumes. When these are inhaled, they can cause damage to the respiratory tract and lungs. Many of these fumes are known carcinogens, as they contain chemicals such as:

• Formaldehyde
• Solvents including Acetone, Methyl Ethyl Ketone, Xylene, and Toluene
• Styrene
• Trichloroethylene
• Diethanoamine (DEA)

How to dispose of chemical waste in a hair salon

Hairdressing is one of the highest risk occupations when it comes to hazardous chemical handling – this is because hairdressers come into direct contact with these substances and there is possibility of staff unknowingly inhaling, ingesting or absorbing these chemicals. Disposing of chemical waste within a hair salon is of utmost importance. Staff should follow these precautionary steps when chemical handling:

• Using the recommended chemical concentration
• Wearing gloves and protective face shields
• Clean your hands as often as possible
• Reseal containers immediately after use
• Only use the recommended chemical concentration

All hairdressing staff have a responsibility under Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) to dispose of chemicals in a correct manner.

How can salon workers protect themselves from harmful chemicals?

It is recommended that salon technicians wear personal protective equipment when in direct contact to these chemicals. Their workplaces also have a responsibility to provide fume extractor equipment to promote proper ventilation and prevent fume build up. There should also be fume and dust extraction systems so that harmful particles are not getting inhaled.

The solution? 650

Here at Purex, we specialise in providing a high-quality range of fume extraction systems – and our fume extractor, the 650, is the perfect choice for salons. All functions are fully automatic, so all you have to do is set the appropriate airflow on installation. Some of the features of the 650 include:

• Clear and informative graphic display
• Easy instillation
• Quiet in operation
• High performance brushless monitors
• Low capital and running costs
• Submicronic (HEPA) filtration removes 99.997% of particles down to 0.3 microns
• Gas and particle sensors on the exhaust
• Adjustable Airflow

Why Choose Purex fume extractor systems?

As leaders in the fume extractor industry, our products have been engineered to provide the highest quality in extractor equipment. Our technology is built to last, allowing our clients to benefit from reduced downtime for their business. Learn more about the benefits of fume extractor systems from our dedicated guide.

Interested to find out more about how to reduce chemical hazards in beauty salons? Contact our specialist team today for more information or you can browse our wide range of products today. Alternatively, check your existing fume extraction system by booking an LEV Test with our team.