Less Toxic Guide: for Nail Products

The Less Toxic Guide reviews nail products and emphasizes on the potential dangers in each product type. Nail products are among the most toxic cosmetics on the market, and nails can absorb the chemicals used in polishes, removers and cuticle creams. Toluene, a neurotoxin, is one of the most dangerous ingredients in nail polish. It can comprise 50% of the ingredients in some brands. The Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Pollution Protection and Toxics says that breathing large amounts of toluene for a short period of time can harm kidneys, liver and the heart. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry of the US Department of Health and Human Services says high exposure to toluene can occur from home use of nail polish. Formaldehyde, a carcinogen and sensitizer, is also found in nail products. Some companies have removed these two toxins but another commonly used chemical has emerged as a hormone disruptor – DBP, a phthalate. This estrogen mimicking plasticizer may accelerate sexual development in young girls. Animal studies have found DBP is responsible for birth deformities like cleft palate and undescended testicles.

Nail Polish Remover

Conventional nail polish removers contain acetone. When inhaled, this chemical enters the blood and is carried to body organs. Short-term exposure causes respiratory and eye irritation, headaches, light-headedness, confusion, nausea and vomiting. Long-term exposure damages the liver, kidneys and nervous system, and increases risk of birth defects.

Acrylic Nails

Acrylic nails are bad news all around, and there are no less-toxic alternatives besides your own well-groomed nails. There are numerous short and long-term health effects from the chemicals used in these nails. Nails need to breathe to stay healthy. Covering them in plastic resin causes nails to become weak, thin and brittle. Fungal infections are a problem when moisture is trapped beneath the artificial nail. Removing the nails requires the use of a powerful solvent, usually acetonitrile. This toxic chemical can irritate the respiratory system, and may cause an enlarged thyroid.Preformed press-on nails from the drug store are not an alternative. The glues used to attach these nails can cause contact dermatitis, eczema, dizziness and headaches.

 To view the complete “Less Toxic Guide to Personal Care Products” with their recommendations on preferred brands (natural, organic and regular) and easy to make recipes, please visit www.lesstoxicguide.ca