The MAGNOLIA Study

MAGNOLIA: Menstrual and general health characteristics among nail salon workers through occupational and chemical exposures: an initial assessment

About the Research

Popular nail products may include ingredients that belong to “Endocrine-disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)”. EDCs are a class of compounds that can disrupt normal bodily processes. EDCs enter the body through breathing in fumes or skin contact with EDC-containing products. Being exposed to more EDCs and longer exposure time are found to be linked with increased risk of various health consequences, possibly implying more vulnerability among frequent nail product users (e.g. nail salon employees). In a nail salon setting, wearing gloves and keeping good indoor ventilation can significantly reduce EDC exposure.

Our research aims to:

  • Characterize EDC levels and the patterns of nail product use among nail salon workers and frequent users of nail products.
  • Characterize menstrual cycle characteristics (cycle length, cycle regularity, menstrual flow characteristics) among nail salon workers and frequent users of nail products, using online tracking surveys.

Why is this important?

Menstrual cycle characteristics are significant indicators of your reproductive health. Studies show that being exposed to EDCs may lead to an increased risk of endocrine diseases (e.g. menopause, diabetes, etc), and are commonly linked to pre-term birth and early puberty. However, little research investigates the effects of EDCs on menstrual cycle length.  The MAGNOLIA Study will be exploring these questions, specifically focusing on people who frequently use nail products.

Participation

You may be eligible to participate if you are:

  • Female assigned at birth
  • 18+ years old
  • An employee or a frequent customer of a nail salon in the greater Boston area
  • Currently Menstruating (i.e. having a period)
  • NOT taking any hormones (including oral contraceptives)

Participation includes:

  • Answering 1 brief online survey about your health
  • Answering 3 brief follow-up surveys about your menstrual cycle
  • (OPTIONAL) provide a urine sample
    • We will provide you with tools and shipping labels
    • You will be collecting the sample at your home
    • You will receive an additional compensation of $30 Target eGiftcard if we receive your sample

Compensation

We appreciate your time and participation!
Participants in this study will be compensated up to $120 Target eGiftcard for completing all surveys, and an extra $30 Target eGiftcard if an optional urine sample is received.
** Target and Target GiftCards are registered trademarks of Target Brands, Inc. Terms and conditions are applied to Gift Cards. Target is not a participating partner or sponsor of this offer.

ENROLL

 

Questions?

If you are interested in enrolling in the MAGNOLIA Study or have any questions, you can contact the research team by emailing magnolia@hsph.harvard.edu.