Painted nails may look good, but ingredients in nail polish could have negative health effects. Some ingredients used in nail polish have been linked to cancer, heart problems, reproductive abnormalities, thyroid disorders and allergies.
Toluene
Toluene is used as a solvent in nail polish, which means that it helps dissolve other ingredients. It also gives the polish a smooth finish across the nail and keeps the colour staying on the nail.
Toluene is released into the air which means you could breathe in the fumes. This could result in nervous system problems, irritation of the eyes, throat and lungs, and possibly reproductive abnormalities.
Formaldehyde
This chemical is used as a nail-hardening agent. It can evaporate into the air, causing you to inhale it. Formaldehyde is known to cause cancer.
Formaldehyde may also cause allergic reactions. This could happen if the nail polish touches the skin. Most allergic reactions are skin rashes known as dermatitis, but excessive exposure to formaldehyde could increase the risk of asthma.
Acetone
Ethyl acetate and butyl acetate are acetones often used as solvents in nail polishes. If you are using the polish for a long time the fumes of these chemicals can lead to problems with the heart, lungs and liver.
Acetone is also extremely flammable. Some nail polishes can catch fire if they are exposed to the pilot light of a stove, a lit cigarette or the heat of a curling iron.
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