Nail Polish Toxins

For many years, the safety focus for nail salons has been the risk of bacterial or fungal infections from salons practicing sloppy hygiene. Now those concerns have been expanded. Facing mounting criticism from consumers as well as health and environmental  groups, many nail polish manufacturers have acknowledged that their products contain Formaldehyde, Toluene or (DBP)Phthalate, linked to cancer and birth defects.  All three chemicals are on California’s Prop. 65 list of chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity, yet the larger companies are still adding these cancer-causing ingredients to their products. Since the nails are an extension of the skin, the chemicals are absorbed into your body and can make you feel sick.

Here are a few facts about these common toxic nail polish ingredients:      

Toluene

Toluene is a human reproductive and developmental toxin. It may affect the nervous system with symptoms like tiredness, confusion, weakness, drunken-type actions, and memory loss. It is thought to cause liver damage and skin irritation. In high levels it may affect the kidneys. Toluene has been linked to birth defects in laboratory animals.  

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a carcinogen and a common indoor air pollutant because its resins are used in many construction materials. Formaldehyde has caused cancer in the nose and throats of lab animals. Inhaling the fumes can result in watery eyes, headache, burning in the throat, and labored breathing.  

(DBP) Dibutyl Phthalate

Phthalates are used to soften plastic, and are known to affect hormone function. Studies have linked phthalates to early puberty in girls and low sperm counts in men. Environmental groups claim phthalate exposure may contribute to the rising number of uterine problems in women and testicular cancer in men. It could also be one of the contributing factors to a rise in infertility in both sexes. Repeated and heavy exposure to dibutyl phthalate may cause nausea and/or vomiting, tearing of the eyes, dizziness, and headache. Long-term exposures may cause damage to kidneys and the liver. Pregnant women must consider that dibutyl phthalate may harm the developing fetus and the male testes.

Review writtten by The Healthy Nails Blog