BE CAREFUL, ALWAYS.
How to Tell if
Your Nail Polish is Toxic
I received recently this article about nail polish
How pretty and how toxic it can be!
I don't know if it belongs to some blog or so...
of so... I apologize and say thanks for the article because it can help a lot of people, specially ladies.
Only for the health I copy this. I don't need the compliments for myself.
- o - o - o -
Nail polish is pretty
– pretty toxic, that is.
Why? Because many
commercially-made polishes, base coats, laquers, nail art, thinners, and top
coat-base coat combinations contain chemicals that have been linked to birth
defects and developmental problems in children of pregnant women who have been
exposed over an extended period of time. Salon workers are particularly at
risk, but so is anyone who applies polish frequently.
Yes, the chemicals
are present in very small amounts. But think about HOW you polish – you hover
over your fingers and toes, probably focusing intently but also breathing in
deeply. Because those chemicals are so volatile, you could be inhaling them
with every breath.
Scientists and
doctors are particularly concerned about three chemicals – dibutyl phthalate,
toluene, and formaldehyde – commonly called the “toxic trio” by organizations
trying to rid polish and other personal care products of these compounds.
Dibutyl phthalate is added to nail polish
to prevent it from becoming brittle. However, it is classified by the European
Union as a “suspected endocrine disruptor,” which means it upsets our hormonal
balance and could be toxic to reproduction. DBP is also associated with liver
and kidney failure in young children who have sucked on toys containing the
ingredient.
Formaldehyde helps polish harden.
It also causes cancer, plain and simple.
Toluene irritates the skin.
Worse, it’s believed to cause developmental disorders. Inhaling toluene vapor
can affect the central nervous system. I know it gives me a headache and
sometimes makes me feel like I have the flu.
In addition, some
manufacturers concerned about health and safety also exclude camphor and
formaldehyde resin.
What can you do?
·
Read the label. Cosmetic products are required to have their ingredients posted on the
label. Granted, you may need a magnifying glass to decipher the fine print, but
take the time to do so. Look for those that say “three-free” (meaning free of
the toxic trio) or “five-free” (meaning they also exclude camphor and
formaldehyde resin) when you shop.
·
Polish less often. Use more neutral colors that complement more outfits so you don’t need
to do your nails every few days.
·
Keep the windows open
or polish outside. Polish your nails in
a well-aerated place or outside, where fresh air will help reduce the vapors
you inhale.
·
Choose a healthy,
safe salon. If you can barely
breathe when you walk into a salon, turn around and walk right out again. The
salon should keep fresh air circulating and offer patrons nail polishes that
are safe for them and the salon staff, too.
·
Find a safe nail
polish and stick to it. There are several water-based
polishes on the market and online. Once you find a brand that produces polish
free of the toxic trio, stick with it. Take it to the salon with you, and tell
your friends about it so they can be safer, too.
