• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.452-463
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• 2019

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate airborne concentrations of volatile organic compounds(VOCs) during nail art practice by college students. Methods: Personal samples for students were measured using passive samplers(OVM 3500) during three kinds of practice, including polish nail, gel nail and acrylic French sculpture at two universities located in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. We also monitored area concentrations using active samplers and real-time total VOC monitors(ppbRAE 3000). All samples were analyzed with a gas chromatography flame ionized detector. Statistical analysis for monitored data were conducted using a web-based Bayesian toolkit, EXPOSTATS(www.expostats.ca). Results: Twenty-four personal samples and ten area samples were collected and five chemicals(acetone, butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, ethyl methacrylate(EMA) and methyl methacrylate(MMA)) were detected. Acetone was detected in all personal samples and ranged from 2.58 ppm to 50.3 ppm. EMA was detected in all personal and area samples with a maximum concentration of 9.78 ppm during acrylic French sculpture. Personal exposure levels to acetone, butyl acetate and mixtures were significantly higher with high occupant density (p<0.05). Geometric mean (GM) concentrations of 3.61 ppm for EMA personal samples were significantly higher than that of area samples, 1.5 ppm (p<0.05). Since there was no local ventilation, total VOC concentration continued to increase as the practice progressed. Conclusions: In order to minimize VOCs exposure for trainees, it is necessary to introduce a local ventilation system and maintain adequate occupant density.