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. By law, nail products sold in the United States must be safe for consumers when used according to directions on the label, or in the usual or customary way. Here are some details about nail products:
Ingredients or materials:
- Nail polishes and hardeners may contain formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) .
- Nail polish removers and solvents may contain acetone, toluene, and methyl ethyl ketone, which are extremely volatile and flammable.
- Artificial nails are composed primarily of acrylic polymers and are made by reacting together acrylic monomers, such as ethyl methacrylate (EMA) .
- Some nail products contain resins that form a strong coating on the nails, rather than hardening the nails themselves. For example, toluene sulfonamide/formaldehyde resin (TSFR) is used in some nail polishes to make the coating tough and resilient.
- Ethyl methacrylate (EMA) is the main substance in artificial fingernails, which can cause allergies, asthma, and dermatitis.
- Some nail products may contain toxic metals such as antimony, aluminum, barium, iron, and magnesium, which are not disclosed as ingredients.
Positive:
- Nail products can enhance the appearance of nails and provide a variety of colors and finishes.
Negative:
- Nail products can contain potentially harmful ingredients that can affect worker health.
- Prolonged exposure to chemicals in nail-care products may be harmful to nail technicians.
- Some people may become allergic to TSFR.
- Ethyl methacrylate (EMA) can cause allergies, asthma, and dermatitis.
- Some nail products may contain toxic metals such as antimony, aluminum, barium, iron, and magnesium, which can be harmful.
It is important to choose safer products and read about the products being used whenever possible. Employers and workers can take steps to protect health when working with products that contain potentially hazardous chemicals.
