Effects of Common Nail Polish Ingredients

The chemical solvents and plasticizers used in many conventional nail polishes may be absorbed thru the porous surface of the nail and/or inhaled as fumes. Once absorbed, they go directly into the bloodstream and are not processed through the body's detoxifying organ - the liver. Synthetic colours used in polishes may also impact your health.

Acetates (amyl, butyl and ethyl)

These chemical solvents are all potentially irritating to the skin and have some neurotoxin effects. Amyl acetate can cause central nervous system depression when ingested (lesson here - don't bite your nails!) and exposure to high concentrations can cause headache, fatigue, and chest pain. Butyl acetate may cause eye irritation and is toxic when inhaled as high concentrations. Ethyl acetate vapors are irritating and prolonged inhalation may cause kidney and liver damage.

Dibutyl-phthalate (DBP)

Dibutyl phthalate is a plasticizer used to give nail polish its flexibility and prevent polish from cracking. DBP is a very low volatile chemical (meaning will not evaporate quickly) and thus exposure is prolonged when the polish is applied to nails. Phthalate will stay on the nails with the polish and can penetrate into our system through skin and through inhalation.DBP is of particular concern because documented exposures are high and its health effects are potentially very serious. Interferes with normal hormone balance and disrupts endocrine system - links to early puberty in girls.

Reproductive toxins

DNA damage to sperm can lead to infertility and may also be linked to miscarriages, birth defects, infertility and cancer in offspring. Damage to reproductive organs, linked to birth defects and fertility problems. A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives (December 2002) found that DBP is damaging to the DNA of sperm in adult men at current levels of exposure. DBP is a recognized carcinogen increasing evidence suggest toxic to the liver, lungs and kidney.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is used as a preservative in nail polish and acts as a nail hardener to stop polish from chipping. Exposure through contact to the skin results in rashes and other skin irritations and breathing in the fumes often leads to coughing and wheezing, It is a known human carcinogen. Other symptoms can include headaches, fatigue, dizziness and immune dysfunction. This chemical has also been banned in Europe.

Toluene

Toluene is mainly used as a solvent (provides the liquid based to move polish from bottle to brush to nail) and gives nail polish its smooth finish and promotes quick drying. It is regulated in Canada to not comprise more than 50% of the ingredients in polish - see Hot List details. Exposure occurs from contact with nail and skin and also from fumes. Evidence of its toxic potential has been growing but the US-based Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel has deemed toulene safe as currently used. Toluene has recently been banned in Europe.

Toulene has many effects that are of concern; including; central nervous system - long term exposure to low levels can cause fatigue, confusion, memory loss, tingling in fingers and toes, nausea, loss of appetite, skin irritation and respiratory problems. Irritating to skin and respiratory tract and may cause kidney and liver damage.

Possibly a reproductive disruptor - pregnant women can transmit to the fetus via the placenta and then to the infant through breast milk. A recent study of women of child-bearing age working in nail salons found that ongoing exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), like toulene, phthalates, formaldehyde, and acetone can spur occupational asthma and decrease attention and processing skills. See Glossed Over.

Colouring Agents

Although used in small quantities in individual cosmetics products, the cumulative effect of colouring agents can pose some health risks. Some commonly used dyes are allergens and irritants. Some colouring agents may contain lead acetate, a heavy metal toxic to the nervous system. Others are linked with cancers. Particularly found in many FD&C and D&C colours. Certified colour additives are derived primarily from petroleum and are sometimes known as "coal-tar dyes" or "synthetic-organic" colors. They are noted on a label with a three-part name - including a prefix FD&C, D&C, or External D&C; a color; and a number. Look for these worrying are "coal-tar" dyes: .FD&C Blue 1 and FD &C Green 3 are carcinogenic D&C Red 33, FD&C Yellow 5 and FD&C Yellow 6 impurities have been shown to cause cancer when applied to the skin.

Other Ingredients

Health Canada advises Canadians not to use cosmetic nail preparations containing methyl methacrylate (MMA).

Environmental Impact

Synthetic chemicals are washed off our bodies everyday and they ultimately end up in the environment. A March 2002 U.S. Geological Survey report on wastewater contaminants in America's streams found plasticizers, possibly phthalates (a common nail polish ingredient), in 64 percent of 139 streams studied.

Reports on Toxins in Nail Polish

Check out the Nail It e-bulletin.
Not Too Pretty. Environmental Working Group, 2002.
Product Report: Nail Products. The Green Guide, March 30, 2002. (link)
Glossed Over: Health Hazards Associated with Toxic Exposure in Nail Salons. Women's Voices for the Earth, March 2007.
Skin Deep - cosmetic database
U. S. Food and Drug Administration. "Color Additives Fact Sheet." Fact Sheet, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Office of Cosmetics and Colors, July 30, 2001.