Nail salons rely on a wide variety of products—polishes, removers, acrylics, gels, adhesives, primers—that release chemical fumes, vapors, and fine particulate matter into the air. Without proper ventilation, these pollutants accumulate quickly in the breathing zone, increasing potential health risks for technicians and clients while creating unpleasant odors throughout the salon.

To address these concerns and create a healthier working environment, the International Mechanical Code (IMC) outlines specific ventilation requirements for nail salons. Understanding these standards—and how to meet them efficiently—is essential for any salon owner, designer, or contractor.

What the IMC Requires for Nail Salon Ventilation

The IMC establishes clear guidelines for source capture ventilation at manicure and pedicure stations. The key requirements include:

1. A Minimum of 50 CFM Per Station

Each nail technician workstation must have a local exhaust system capable of removing at least 50 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of air. This ensures that fumes and particulate matter are captured before they spread throughout the room.

2. Ventilation Inlets Must Be Within 12 Inches of the Nail Service Area

Placement is critical. The IMC mandates that the exhaust inlet—or point of capture—be located no more than 12 inches horizontally or vertically from where the nail service is performed.
This distance is based on airflow science: the closer the inlet is to the source of contamination, the more effectively it can capture chemical fumes and airborne dust.

3. Exhaust Must Be Ventilated Outdoors

A compliant system must remove the contaminated air entirely from the indoor environment. Simply recirculating air through a room air cleaner does not satisfy IMC code.

Why Source Capture Is the Only Reliable Way to Meet the IMC Code

While general room ventilation and HVAC systems can help dilute odors, they are not designed to remove hazardous pollutants at the moment they’re created. Nail services generate high concentrations of VOCs and fine dust within inches of the technician’s face—far too close for ambient ventilation to keep up.

Source capture solves this problem by:

• Pulling fumes, odors, dust, and vapors directly from the workstation

• Removing contaminants before they reach breathing zones

• Ensuring airflow meets IMC’s 50 CFM per station minimum

• Allowing precise placement within the required 12-inch capture zone

This targeted approach is the only method recognized for reliably achieving IMC compliance across all nail service rooms, stations, and salon layouts.

How Salon Pure Air® Helps Salons Meet—and Exceed—IMC Requirements

Salon Pure Air® systems are engineered specifically for beauty industry applications, with performance tailored to meet ventilation codes without sacrificing comfort, space, or efficiency.

Our source capture units provide:

✔ True 50+ CFM Per Station

Every unit is designed to meet or exceed IMC airflow requirements—even when used continuously during busy salon hours.

✔ Capture Within the Required 12 Inches

Flexible capture arms and compact nozzle designs allow precise placement at the workstation, ensuring maximum efficiency.

✔ Multi-Stage Filtration and External Exhaust Options

For IMC-compliant installations, Salon Pure Air offers systems such as the SPA3, which includes an external exhaust collar and hose for proper outdoor ventilation.

✔ Reduced Chemical Exposure and Odor Control

By capturing fumes at the source, technicians experience dramatically less exposure to VOCs, acetone, acrylic monomer, and ultrafine dust.

✔ Better Client Experience

Cleaner air improves comfort, reduces complaints about odors, and supports a more professional environment.

The Bottom Line: IMC Compliance Starts With Source Capture

Nail salons can no longer rely on basic HVAC systems or room air cleaners to meet today’s ventilation expectations. To protect workers, enhance client comfort, and comply with mechanical code requirements, source capture is not optional—it’s essential.

Salon Pure Air® systems give salon owners a reliable, proven, and code-compliant solution that supports healthier indoor air and long-term salon success.

About Salon Pure Air®

Salon Pure Air® is the original source capture system designed specifically for the beauty industry. For over 20 years, we’ve helped nail salons, hair salons, medi-spas, and tattoo studios create healthier, safer workspaces. Our systems use advanced multi-stage filtration and targeted capture technology to remove fumes, vapors, dust, and odors directly at the source. Cleaner air starts here.