Toxic Fingertips

Why Your Nail Polish May Not Be As Safe As You Think

They're in your home and on your face, your skin and your hands. But should you be putting them on your body? New concerns have been raised about the chemical compounds used in nail polish.

Getting your nails done is like a ritual for women. Although the main thing they worry about during a salon visit is infection, the bigger risk are toxic chemicals. In fact, there are about 10,000 different chemicals involved in nail care and about nine per cent of them have never been safety tested.

"Some of the toxic chemicals we're talking about are things like toluene, which accounts for 70 per cent of some nail polish brands," said Rick Smith from Environmental Defence.

Other chemicals are phthalates, which can disrupt hormones, and formalin, which can cause cancer in high doses. Some companies like OPI are starting to phase those chemicals out.

But manicure junkies don't seem to want to part with their polish or their fake nails.

"I've been a nail-biter for 20 years so I just have to ignore the chemicals right now," said one nail salon customer.

If you're concerned about what you're putting on your nails, there are water-based nail polishes available which are chemical-free.

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Here's a look at what's in some of the more common items that may be in your bathroom, especially nail polish, and the possible side-effects:

Acetone - may cause central nervous system depression

Ethyl methacrylate - linked to eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation

Benzene - has been associated with an increased risk for developing AML leukemia.

Formalin (since removed by many international brands) - may cause asthma-like respiratory problems and cancer in high or prolonged doses

Toluene (since removed by many international brands) - a solvent with the potential to cause dizziness, headaches and liver and kidney damage

Dibutyl phthalate (since removed by many international brands) - linked to eye and upper respiratory system irritation and may be toxic to the reproductive system

Methylene chloride - breathing in large amounts can cause feelings of unsteadiness, dizziness, nausea. Skin contact with methylene chloride causes burning and redness.

Source: CityNews.ca