Relates to ultraviolet nail dryers

BILL NUMBER:S1982A

Title of bill

An act to amend the general business law and the public health law, in relation to requiring the department of health to review the safety of ultraviolet nail dryers and authorizing the department of state to promulgate any regulations deemed appropriate for governing the use of such devices by any appearance enhancement business

Purpose or general idea of bill

The purpose of this legislation is to increase consumer safety by requiring the Department of Health to review the existing medical and scientific literature, published reports, and articles regarding the potential health hazards associated with the use of ultraviolet nail drying devices, and identifying any health hazards. The Department of State may promulgate any necessary regulations based on such findings and businesses where the practice of nail specialty is conducted must post a notice regarding any health hazards.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1. The general business law is amended by adding a new section 404-c. sections 2 and 3. Section 2. The public health law is amended by adding a new subdivision 3 to section 3550. Section 3 adds a new section 3556.

Justification

A recent Archives of Dermatology article implicated UV lamps as a contributing factor in the cases of two women without family histories of skin cancer who developed the disease on their hands, stemming from steady use of the lamps at nail salons. According to a prominent Mayo Clinic-trained dermatologist, "these lights are considered as dangerous as tanning beds."

While tanning beds and tanning parlors have long carried warnings that detail the increased risk of skin cancer and other conditions that result from their use, UV lamps used in nail salons are not subject to this requirement. These lights are increasingly being used by consumers in conjunction with specialty gel nail polish, which is applied like regular nail polish to fingernails (and toenails). While online advertisements tout that these manicures last longer, many users are unaware that exposure to UV light may increase their risk of developing skin cancer.

Prior legislative history

2013,2014: 5.2043/A.734 Referred to Consumer Protection 2012: S.7578/A.1984-C Referred to Consumer Protection

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately, except that sections 1 and 2, and subdivision 2 of section 3556 of the public health law, as added by section 3 of this act shall take effect in 120 days.