Nail Polish Contains Fertility-Compromising & Cancer-Inducing Toxic Ingredients, Expert Claims

Nail polish and other nail care products contain hazardous chemicals that can seriously affect health. According to an expert, nail polish and other similar products contain toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate also known as the "toxic trio."

According to Dr. Thu Quach, from the Stanford University and Cancer Prevention Institution of California, these chemicals cause harm, ranging from cancer to reproductive organ problems.

Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and is used as a nail-hardening component and tool disinfectant. Toluene is a common nail paint solvent that can affect the central nervous system and reproductive system. Dibutyl phthalate is polish additive that can cause reproductive problems, Dr. Quach said in her article published in The Conversation.

In addition to the aforementioned chemicals, there are many more that are used in nail care products. According to Daily Mail, most nail salons do not have proper ventilation and in most cases vapors from these chemicals are trapped inside the establishment, harming salon workers.

Continued exposure to these chemicals leads to a number of health problems i.e. chronic headaches, allergic reactions, nausea, respiratory problems, thinking and memory problems and even eye injuries to name a few.

Past research studies by Dr. Quach have chronicled the health problems of salon workers. They have headaches, skin irritations and breathing problems—all linked to overexposure of the fumes from the products. The studies have also shown that working in salons can cause reproductive health problems, including preterm delivery, pregnancy complications and spontaneous birth.

Interestingly, an initiative to establish the Health Nail Salon Program, spearheaded by The California Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative, in multiple countries aims to create a healthier environment for owners and workers. The program advises the use of safer nail care products, those that do not contain the toxic trio chemicals. They also provide training and recognition for salons that participate in the program.

The US EPA is in partnership with the program and has invested in research and outreach to a number of salons. The US EPA has also shown that this program can be used to uphold safer practices in the salon environment. Healthy salons ask their workers to wear gloves to minimize contact with potentially harmful chemicals. They also have improved ventilation systems for better air quality.

Dr. Quach is currently encouraging other local and state agencies to follow the examples of healthy salons for the sake of their workers and customers all the same. She adds that this would be a healthier choice for consumers who like to frequently visit salons.