New York lawmakers launched a first-in-the-nation initiative to protect nail technicians from toxic fumes.

This groundbreaking new effort could have impacts for nail salons nationwide.

Maria Flores told News 12 through a translator that the two decades she spent working at a Bronx salon left her with constant headaches and chemical exposure so severe that she could barely eat.

She said her lunch tasted like the chemicals that she worked with.

New York did pass a law in 2014 that required all salons to install ventilation systems to remove harmful fumes. But enforcement stalled during the COVID pandemic - and now thousands of salons remain uninspected, according to the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health, or NYCOSH.

"All they ask for is a better life in America and instead, they're literally being poisoned in service of keeping people's nails done,” says Westchester County Legislator David Imamura.

Westchester is now stepping in, becoming the first county in the nation to fund in-person outreach to every nail salon within its borders.

The plan, which is being led by Imamura and two colleagues - Westchester County legislators Jewel F. Williams Johnson and Emiljana Ulaj - will be carried out by NYCOSH.

The nonprofit specializes in workplace safety. This summer, its teams will start making weekly rounds.

State records show over 18,000 licensed nail technicians in New York, but advocates say many more work unlicensed and unprotected.

A NYCOSH study found that poor ventilation is linked to a range of reproductive health issues, including miscarriage, birth defects and infertility.

The visits won’t be enforcement-based, but salons have been warned - with 10 spot checks scheduled each week through November.

NYCOSH and lawmakers say they hope to take it statewide if it works, starting with Long Island and the Bronx.

Westchester County Legislator Jewel F. Williams Johnson released the following statement:

"We know these small businesses are essential—not just to our economy, but to our well-being. The services they provide help us feel restored, confident, and cared for. This initiative isn’t about burdening them—it’s about supporting the people who support us. Salon owners and technicians deserve to be seen, valued, and protected, and we’re committed to working alongside them to ensure their workplaces are safe, healthy, and thriving.

Our hope is that this effort is embraced County-wide, and that together we become true partners in helping these businesses flourish—while safeguarding the health and dignity of everyone who walks through their doors."

Westchester County Legislator Emiljana Ulaj also released the following statement:

"When we heard about the harms experienced by nail salon workers, we felt compelled to take action. According to the latest report by NYCOSH, nail salon workers are three-times more likely to have a child born with birth defects, and the workers themselves are more likely to experience pregnancy complications and other reproductive health issues. Thankfully, the state legislature has already adopted enhanced regulations to try to protect these vulnerable workers. This initiative led by the Westchester County Board of Legislators will help local business owners get acquainted with the new regulations so that they can step up and do more to protect their workers."