Nail products can contain potentially harmful ingredients that can affect worker and consumer health. It is important to use nail products safely, following labeled directions and paying attention to any warning statements. Here are some details on nail products, including positive and negative aspects, and ingredients or materials:
Nail Polish:
-
Positive aspects:
- Some nail polish brands are marketed as non-toxic and free of harmful chemicals.
- Some nail polish brands are long-lasting and affordable.
-
Negative aspects:
- Some nail polish brands contain harmful chemicals such as toluene, formaldehyde, and DPB.
- Nail polish can cause superficial nail discoloration, pseudo-leukonychia, allergic contact dermatitis, microbial colonization, and distorted pulse oximetry readings.
Artificial Nails:
-
Positive aspects:
- Artificial nails can improve the appearance of cosmetically disfigured nails.
-
Negative aspects:
- Artificial nails can cause contact dermatitis due to the acrylic materials used.
- Artificial nails can contain harmful chemicals such as ethyl methacrylate monomer.
Nail Polish Remover:
-
Positive aspects:
- Nail polish remover can effectively remove nail polish.
-
Negative aspects:
- Nail polish remover can contain harmful chemicals such as isopropyl acetate.
- Nail polish remover can cause skin dryness and/or irritation.
Gloves:
-
Positive aspects:
- Nitrile gloves provide the best protection for nail salon workers.
-
Negative aspects:
- Latex and vinyl gloves are permeable to many nail product ingredients and should not be used.
It is important to note that the list of ingredients can vary between products and can potentially be influenced by individual product characteristics such as polish color, texture, drying time, or other product features.
