New Recommendations to End Hepatitis, HIV Risk at Nail Salons, Barbershops

There is a potential risk of transmitting hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hep B virus (HBV) at nail salons and barbershops if razors, clippers, nail files and other re-usable instruments are not fully cleaned and disinfected, according to a report by the Virginia Department of Health.

As a result, the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) proposed new recommendations to eliminate potential transmission of HCV, HBV and HIV.

These include more education and training for all nail salon and barbershop technicians and more stringent hygiene, storage, disinfection and inspection requirements.

Currently, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration does not offer guidelines about HBV or HCV prevention in nail salons or barbershops, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not list barbering, manicures or pedicures as risk factors.

To read the ACG statement, visit: http://d2j7fjepcxuj0a.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/2011acg_nail_salon_hepc_FINAL-Oct-26.pdf.

The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.

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