There are many articles that speak to the effect of nail polish. Here are just a few that we found informative. We encourage you to do your own research.
Health Risks Beneath the Painted Beauty in America’s Nail Salons!
Thu Quach, Research Scientist, Cancer Prevention Institute of California and Director of Community Health and Research, Asian Health Services and Consulting Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, Sanford University. 2015.
Available online:
https://theconversation.com/health-risks-beneath-the-painted-beauty-in-americas-nail-salon-41660
This article lists three toxic and potentially hazardous ingredients that can be found in nail polish that have been linked to cancer and disruption of the endocrine system: toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate. According to the article, these three chemicals are nicknamed the “toxic trio” because of their serious health impacts. Nail care salon workers and clients are exposed through direct contact with the chemicals in the nail polish and through inhalation of the vapours.
Formaldehyde: Used as a nail hardening agent and also for disinfecting tools used for providing nail care. A known carcinogen.
Toluene: Is a solvent ingredient that allows the polish to spread smoothly and maintain pigments from separating in the bottle. It can affect central nervous system and caused reproductive harm.
Dibutyl phthalate: Is added to the nail polish to allow the polish to remain flexible. Exposure has been liked to reproductive problems.
Yes, chemicals in Nail Polish Can Leech Into Your Body. Is it time to rethink your weekly mani ritual?
Anna Almendrala, Senior Healthy Living Editor, The Huffington Post
Available online:
This article cites a study led by Duke University and Environmental Working Group that suggests “we absorb at least one potentially hormone-disrupting chemical every time we get a polish.” The article goes on to speak about triphenyl phosphate (TPP) which is known to be added to about 49% of the 3,000 nail polishes listed in the Environmental Working Group’s database, to make the nail polish adhere strongly to the nail.
The Duke University study- while it hasn’t proven that elevated levels of TPP actually hurt human beings, it does raise questions about the potential effects of low-level TPP absorption over time. It has identified a potential for TPP to interfere with hormones based on tests it has conducted on mice and fish.
It is interesting to note that Researcher Thu Quach (as referenced in the article) suspects that “as more companies remove the chemicals from nail polish, they’re replacing them with chemicals that may be just as harmful, or have the potential for harm- like TPP. As some chemicals are removed from nail polish, other chemicals are increasing in volume to replace them.”
Is Nail Polish Harmful?
New York Times. Ask Well Column. January 2, 2014. Is Nail Polish Harmful?
Available online:
https://archive.nytimes.com/well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/01/02/ask-well-is-nail-polish-harmful/
Janet Nudelman, co-founder of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics states: “But certain groups maybe at higher risk. For dedicated polish enthusiastic, Ms. Nudelman recommends doing research to find the safest brands. The Environmental Working Group maintains a searchable cosmetics database at www.ewg.org/skindeep.
The Effects of Nail Polish on Oximetry
Cote CJ, Goldstein EA, Fuchsman WH, Hoaglin DC. Anesth Analg. 1988 July; 67(7):683-6
Available online:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3382042/
According to the abstract of the study on the effects of nail polish on pulse Oximetry, certain colors of nail polish can significantly lower oximeter readings of oxygen saturation. It is recommended that nail polish be removed routinely before pulse oximeter monitoring.
Surprising Things Your Nail Salon Doesn’t Want You To Know!
Available online:
The article takes a look at nail salons and what has been known to be going on behind the scenes. One issue is ineffective sterilization of equipment, such as tubs, resulting in the spread of staph, boils, wart and toenail fungus to their clients. The article identifies the method of “auto clave as an effective way to sterilize equipment but identifies that only 1% of nail salons use on a regular basis”.
It is important to point out that Sole Pulse sterilizes all of its instruments using an Auto clave and uses disposable liners in its tubs if feet require soaking or washing. These are important infection control measures.