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Pesticide News Story: Web Page Available on the Prevention of Foot Spa-Associated Nail Infections
For Release: December 19, 2006
To help reduce the potential for skin infections associated with use of whirlpool foot baths in nail salons, EPA, jointly with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, now has information on its Web site about this issue. This information will inform the public about steps they can take to protect themselves from infections. It also provides guidance to nail salon owners and operators about proper disinfecting procedures. This fact sheet highlights clear instructions on proper use of disinfection products and a set of recommended cleaning and disinfecting procedures for salon owners and workers to follow. A model product label is included on the web site to help guide nail salon workers in the proper use of the disinfectant; it also highlights the importance of reading and following label directions.
The most important steps salon patrons can take to reduce the likelihood of an infection are:
- Avoid shaving during the 24 hours before receiving a pedicure and do not have a pedicure if you have an open cut on your feet or lower leg area; this has been linked to skin infections.
- Become familiar with a salon’s cleaning and disinfecting routine. The consumer should not be afraid to ask what steps are taken to make the foot bath safe. Specifically,
- An EPA-registered hospital disinfectant should be used after each customer.
- All parts of the foot bath should be disinfected, including the filter screen, piping and jets that cannot be seen, after each customer. The disinfectant should be run through the foot bath system according to product label directions (typically, for about ten minutes).
For more information visit the Preventing Pedicure Foot Spa Infections Web page.