Take a look at your hands, what
do they look like?
If you’re a woman, your fingernails are probably
painted with nail polish.
In many career environments and social circles, nail
polish is seen as an essential part of proper hygiene and presentation. But
this social expectation has serious health effects.
A new study conducted by Duke
University and the Environmental Working Group and published in Environment
International found that chemicals in nail polish can enter the bloodstream in
noticeable amounts within as little as two hours of application.
The study examined the urine samples of 24 women for
diphenyl phosphate or DPHP, which forms when the body metabolizes TPHP, a
chemical toxin found in nearly every person on earth. Within 10-14 hours of
nail polish application, serum levels of DPHP had increased by nearly sevenfold
.
The chemicals can contribute towards infertility,
hormone-related cancers like breast and ovarian cancer, prostate conditions,
thyroid disorders, neurological issues, diabetes, and even obesity .
“Nails aren’t permeable to most molecules, but TPHP
could be absorbed into the cuticle or around the nail,” says Johanna Congleton,
a senior scientist with EWG who also worked on the study.
They also make their way into the bloodstream after
being inhaled (in the case of being in a closed room or nail salon during
application) or being ingested (by nail biting).
“It is very troubling that nail polish being marketed
to women and teenage girls contains a suspected endocrine disruptor,” says
Johanna Congleton, Ph.D., MSPH, a senior scientist at EWG and co-author of the
study. “It is even more troubling to learn that their bodies absorb this
chemical relatively quickly after they apply a coat of polish.”
Although the chemical isn’t a necessary ingredient, it
functions as a plasticizer in nail polish to increase its flexibility and
durability.
After the initial study, the same group of researchers
examined 10 different nail polishes for triphenyl phosphate, and discovered the
chemical in 8 of the samples tested.
Two of the polishes that tested positively for the
chemical did not disclose it on their product label.
These brands were easily available in drug stores and
beauty shops throughout North America.
Here are just a few chemicals
routinely found in nail polish and other nail products .
Formaldehyde is a well-known carcinogen that
can cause respiratory distress if inhaled. Symptoms of exposure include
coughing, asthma, and an itchy throat. Asthmatic or people with other
respiratory conditions should avoid exposure to formaldehyde when possible.
Dibutyl phthalate is a plasticizer and solvent that is also an endocrine
disruptor. Chronic exposure through ingestion can cause liver and kidney
failure in children.
Toluene is, a mild skin irritant
considered a developmental toxicity hazard. This chemical is dangerous to
nursing or expectant mothers, as it can be absorbed into the bloodstream and
find its way into breastmilk. When inhaled, the chemical can cause drowsiness,
headaches, and irritation of the respiratory tract .
Who’s at
Risk?
Nail polish is an accessory few people think about
twice before applying. Many mothers even find joy in painting their child’s
nails.
Nails
Magazine reported in 2014 that market surveys found that 97 % of American
girls ages 12-14 used nail products, including polish, and 14 percent of all teens
and tweens used them daily.
According to EWG’s Skin Deep cosmetics database, more
than 1,500 nail products including polishes made by Sally Hansen, OPI and Wet N
Wild, contain TPHP .
The EWG study found that each layer of nail polish
increased chemical exposure, with clear polish (used as a base and top coat for
the polish) containing the highest level of DPHP.
“It is alarming to think my ruby red nail polish could
come with a side of toxic ingredients that could ultimately end up in my body,”
said Entrepreneur and eco expert Erin Schrode, co-founder of the non-profit
organization Turning Green, which educates teenagers about healthy and safe lifestyle
choices.
“We cannot control far too many exposures to harmful
chemicals in our world today, but each of us can become informed and spread the
word, support legislation that protects our health, and make smarter choices
whenever possible.”
How To Protect
Yourself
One main problem with continuing to use nail polish is
that labeling doesn’t necessarily reflect the contents of the polish. A study
has found that even toxin-free nail polish may have high levels of these toxic
chemicals
“The labeling does not always
reflect the ingredients,” says scientist Valetti Lang, acting manager of the
Pollution Prevention Branch of the Department of Toxic Substances Control for
the California Environmental Protection Agency
“The bottom-line finding is we can’t trust the labels
on some of these nail salon products that are claiming to be free of these
toxic chemicals,” says Rebecca Sutton, PhD, senior scientist at the
Environmental Working Group who reviewed the report. “These chemicals have
well-established health concerns…this is not a minor concern for consumers,”
she says.
Needless to say, there are countless reasons why you
should avoid nail polish at all cost, especially in nail salons, which contain
high levels of toxic fumes.
Instead, skip the polish and buff your nails for a
natural shine.
You can also push back your cuticles and apply coconut
oil to your cuticle and nail. If you’re desperate for a pop of
color, here’s a list of non-toxic products you can try:
This is a water-based nail polish brand, it comes in
different colours and it is free from any carcinogenic chemical compound.
2. Acquarella
This is a water-based nail polish that comes in over 50 nail
polish colours. It is safe for use and does not have any mercury,
formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate or toluene.
3. SpaRitual
This is vegetable based nail polish brand that is free from
harmful chemical compounds.
This alternative nail polish brand has nail polish that do not
contain any of the harmful chemicals found in conventional nail polish, it also
has argan oil that is mixed with their nail polish to help to moisturise your
finger and toe nails.
When
you decide to buy nail polish, lookout for alternative brands that are made
from naturally occurring products, so as to protect your health from the
hazards of the carcinogens you will find in conventional nail polish brands.
Sources: Daily Health Post
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