Possible Allergic Reaction to Nail Extensions: A Nail Technician's Concern

Question
I have been learning fibre glass and silk extensions for 6 months and have just become qualified. Only problem is the last 4 weeks I go home after doing a clients nails and my throat starts to itch and I cough and it feels like my breathing is restricted. Then throughout the night it will get worse and my nose will start running, until the next day I will feel like I have got a cold. But it goes within a day or so. I have no skin reactions and use star nails but if was doing this daily it would be a problem. What could be coursing this to happen? The dust, chemicals or both? Thank you Grace

Answer
Hi Grace
Im sorry to hear of your problem.
It could be either the spray or the dust or both.
Some people spray uneccessarily. How many times does it say to spray in a full set?
I can reccomend a few things.
Look at OPI Micro fibre, it will be slightly more expensive, but you have the option of using a brush on activator that works really well. This will cut down dramatically on the times you use your spray.
Also, look into getting a really effective dust extractor. Not a charcoal filter in your desk, but an extractor fan that extracts the dust away from your breathing zone.
Lastly, it may be neccessary for you to wear a dust mask while you work. That would be the cheapest solution, but the masks become ineffective within about 10 hrs of use, so you will need to replace them often.
Good luck

Liza