Nail products can contain potentially harmful ingredients, but they are allowed on the market because they are safe when used as directed. It is important to use nail products safely, following labeled directions and paying attention to any warning statements. The following information answers common questions about some nail products and ingredients:
Common Nail Product Ingredients
- Acetone: a solvent used in nail polish remover
- Acetonitrile: a solvent used in nail polish remover
- Butyl acetate: a solvent used in nail polish
- Dibutyl phthalate: a plasticizer used in nail polish
- Ethyl acetate: a solvent used in nail polish
- Formaldehyde: a hardening agent used in nail polish
- Formalin: a solution of formaldehyde used in nail hardeners
- Methacrylic acid: a bonding agent used in artificial nails
- Methyl methacrylate: a bonding agent used in artificial nails
- Toluene: a solvent used in nail polish
Positive Aspects of Nail Products
- Nail products can help improve the appearance of nails, such as nail polish and artificial nails.
- Some nail products, such as those used to treat nail fungus, can be effective in treating medical problems.
Negative Aspects of Nail Products
- Nail products can contain potentially harmful ingredients that can affect worker health, such as toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate .
- Nail products can cause adverse reactions, such as skin irritation, allergic reactions, and respiratory problems .
- Nail products can be harmful if ingested or absorbed through the skin.
- Nail products can be corrosive to skin and cause severe eye damage.
It is important to read product labels and safety data sheets to understand the ingredients in nail products and their potential health effects. Employers and workers can take steps to protect health when working with products that contain potentially hazardous chemicals, such as choosing safer products and using personal protective equipment.
