Dangers of Nail Polish and Nail Polish Removers

Now it is very common to use nail polish and nail polish removers in every households even by children of 3 and 4 years old.  This practice is seen not only at the cities and towns but also at the small small villages of Kerala too.  Well educated parents are allowing themselves and their teenage children to play with Nail Polish and Nail Polish removers which is made using various  hazardous materials.

These Toxin used in Nail Polish and Nail Polish removers can cause life threatening diseases like cancer and it is harming even the unborn baby as described here in care2.com

A chemical known to harm the male reproductive system
is found in many nail and cosmetic products. The plasticizer, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), causes birth defects of testicular atrophy, reduced sperm count, and defects in the structure of the penis.

Conventional nail polishes dispensed at most drugstores and nail salons contain a veritable witch’s brew of chemicals, including toluene, which has been linked to a wide range of health issues from simple headaches and eye, ear, nose and throat irritation to nervous system disorders and damage to the liver and kidneys.

Source: www.buzzle.com/articles/nail-polish-dangers.html

Another common yet toxic ingredient in conventional nail polish is a chemical plasticizer known as dibutyl phthalate (DBP). According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit research and advocacy organization that campaigns to educate consumers about the health risks of cosmetics, studies have linked DBP to underdeveloped genitals and other reproductive system problems in newborn boys.

Source: www.buzzle.com/articles/nail-polish-dangers.html

Exposure to toxic chemicals is not the only health concern associated with nail salons, where nail fungus and bacteria can lurk on the underside of any emery board. Women’s health advocate Tracee Cornforth suggests checking out a salon for cleanliness before signing up for services. She also says to make sure attendants disinfect all tools and equipment between customers, and even recommends bringing in one’s own manicure or pedicure kit so as to minimize the transmission of any unsightly or painful maladies.

Source: www.buzzle.com/articles/nail-polish-dangers.html

most nail polish contains chemicals with phthalate- and formaldehyde-releasing ingredients, which are carcinogenic. This last ingredient is a plasticizer that prevents polish from cracking. It is a low-volatile chemical, so after the polish is applied to nails, it stays on with the polish and penetrates into our system.

Studies have been done which show that dibutyl phthalate (DBP) has been linked to birth defects in rodents. Although there is no information on how much DBP it takes to harm humans, experts agree that avoiding it, especially if you are pregnant, is recommended.

Source: www.alive.com/2071a5a2.php?subject_bread_cramb=269

Here’s a quick rundown on what you’re being exposed to:

• Acrylic Polymers: The primary substance in artificial nails, its primary ingredients could cause redness, swelling, and pain in the nail bed. Avoid if you have a sensitivity to methacrylates.
• Methacrylic Acid: Used in nail primers to help acrylic nails adhere to nail surfaces, it can cause burns to the skin. Use with care, especially in households with small children.
• Formaldehyde or toluenesulfonamide — formaldehyde resin. Found in nail hardeners, it can cause allergic reactions or irritation, especially if it comes in contact with the skin. Avoid products with either ingredient if you are allergic to formaldehyde.
• Toluene: A solvent found in a variety of nail products such as nail polish, hardeners, and polish removers, it is safe in concentrations no greater than 50 percent.

Source:www.everydayhealth.com/skin-and-beauty/beauty/nail-polish-dangerous-chemicals-your-fingertips.aspx

There are news that there are safe nail polish products available without using the above said hazardous chemicals, but not in india only in the western countries. And those companies who are making safe Nail Polish are small players. Several major cosmetics companies, including OPI, Avon, Estee Lauder, L’Oreal, Revlon, Proctor & Gamble and Unilever have thus far refused to sign the Compact for Safe Cosmetics and hence continuing to make cosmetics using hazardous materials.

Best thing to do is to stop buying this type of things, why unnecessarily put your and your family’ s health  at risk ?