Nail polish (also known as nail varnish or nail enamel) is a lacquer that can be applied to the human fingernail or toenails to decorate and protect the nail plates.The formula has been revised repeatedly to enhance its decorative effects and to suppress cracking or peeling. Error: (#10) This endpoint requires the 'manage_pages' or 'pages_read_user_content' permission or the 'Page Public Content Access' feature. [2]. Nail polish is notorious for its toxic chemicals and harmful ingredients. Inhalation of chemical contaminants is so bad that New York City has passed laws to protect workers in nail parlors.The “toxic trio” in many nail polish brands are full of toluene, dibutyl phthalate, and formaldehyde. Toluene – A Harmful Chemical In Nail Polish. Safe concentrations -- less than 50 percent -- have been established by the Food and Drug Administration 2⭐⭐This is a verified and trusted source Goto Source 3⭐⭐This is a verified and trusted source Goto Source . No animal testing. Every time we open a bottle containing toluene to look at the color of a nail polish in a nail salon, for example, we are exposed to toluene even if we don’t apply the product. WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON THE LABEL: Toluene Workers using toluene-containing paints, varnishes, shellac, nail polish, glues and adhesives, rust preventives or printing inks may be exposed to toluene. Exposed to toluene may occur from breathing ambient or indoor air. A nail polish meant for adults could contain several toxic compounds. Toluene. Film Formers Film formers are chemicals that form the smooth surface on a coat of nail polish. Although Toluene is a potential skin irritant, no skin irritation or sentization has been observed in cosmetic products containing up to 33% Toluene. Low to moderate daily workplace exposure can cause temporary tiredness, confusion, weakness, nausea and memory loss. Beyond that, polishes go as far as being nine-, or 10-, or even 14-free. Toluene is an organic solvent that is used in nail polish, base coats and topcoats to help the polish stay on the nail. Toluene, one of the chemicals in nail polish, is a clear liquid that turns into a sweet- or sharp-smelling vapor when exposed to air. ... "I might say go easy on the nail polish… Toluene, also known as methylbenzene, is a clear, colorless liquid with a distinctive sweet smell that is widely used in industrial settings as a solvent. When I learned there was toluene, phthalates, and formaldehyde in nail polish, I became concerned. Try buffing nails instead of lacquering. The facts about toluene are rather concerning and would make most people think twice about buying normal over-the-counter nail polish brands again. [2] A Korean study that looked at workers chronically exposed to toluene below 100 ppm found that this lower dose exposure was associated with neurobehavioral changes and could result in attention, concentration and motor performance deficits. While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has set limits for worker exposure to toluene, and the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health has set even stricter limits. A mother’s exposure to toluene vapors during pregnancy may result in developmental damage in the fetus. While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has set limits for worker exposure to toluene, and the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health has set even stricter limits [1], it is reasonable to assume that nail salon workers are exposed to unacceptably high levels of the chemical. Toluene is included in a list of hazardous chemicals cited in a 1987 California law. [2] So thankfully you do not have to go polish free in order to avoid this chemical. Associated risks of toluene are liver and kidney damage, irritation of the skin, headaches, dizziness and birth defects. Nail polish consists of a mix of an organic polymer and several other components that give it its unique color and texture. Even low-level exposure of toluene could be potentially harmful to the developing fetus. In nail polish, it is used as a preservative and it also has a very strong odor. It is a volatile organic compound (VOC) and has been linked to fertility problems and miscarriage, including serious harm to female reproductive health and to fetal and newborn development . One of the most harmful substances found in this beauty product is toluene. Studies of occupationally exposed workers indicate that chronic exposure to concentrations of toluene ranging from 30-150 ppm can result in hearing and color vision damage, reduced ability in tests of cognitive and neuromuscular function and neurotoxic symptoms. Toluene is volatile, meaning it can easily evaporate into the air, making it impossible not to breathe. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Refer to https://developers.facebook.com/docs/apps/review/login-permissions#manage-pages and https://developers.facebook.com/docs/apps/review/feature#reference-PAGES_ACCESS for details. However, the sole cosmetic use of Toluene is in products intended to be applied directly to the nail. Toluene is added to gasoline, used to produce benzene, and used as a solvent. These workers are exposed on a daily basis over long shifts in salons that may lack proper ventilation and environmental monitoring equipment. Pregnant women should avoid wearing nail polish containing chemicals of the infamous “toxic-trio”, including toluene. Imagine the nail technicians in the salon environment all day long. The reason why many beauty companies include toluene as an ingredient in their nail polish is because it is a solvent which assists in the smooth application of nail polish and also acts as a thinner. This will guard against possible fetal development damage that may otherwise result. Exposure to toluene can result in temporary effects such as headaches, dizziness and cracked skin, as well as more serious effects such as reproductive damage and respiratory complications. Not quite. At an affordable price point, this lacquer is a worthy addition to your nail polish collection. This abrasive chemical comes from petroleum, so the toxic smell is bad enough in itself. Irritation: The EU classifies toluene as a skin irritant (only for products for use on skin). Therefore pregnant women should avoid going to salons which use polish containing toluene, and should also avoid typical nasty brands on the market. ani michele is not formulated with any of the following ingredients: formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, camphor, toluene, dibutyl phthalate (dbp), triphenyl phosphate (tphp) or xylene. High levels of toluene exposure can cause brain lesions, behavioural abnormalities and a wide range of other possible side effects. Nail Polish; Formaldehyde-, Toluene-, and DBP-Free Nail Polishes The Formaldehyde-, Toluene-, and DBP-Free Nail Polishes We Love. Zoya is one of the bigger names in the non-toxic nail polish world, and it's not hard to see why. Add to cart. In 2015-16, nail polish sales represented $741 million of this amount. Toluene has been linked to birth defects with women who have had over-exposure to this harmful solvent. 2. Toluene also is an ingredient in some consumer products such as paints, glues and nail polish removers. This chemical is part of the “toxic-trio,” which refers to the three most dangerous ingredients found in many nail polish brands today. It is also used in nail products to suspend the color and form a smooth finish across the nail. This known carcinogen has been linked to certain cancers such as leukemia. [3] Exposure to high concentrations of toluene via inhalation during pregnancy may be toxic to the developing fetus. Conventional Nail Polish Sure Does Stink. Toluene is a toxic chemical used in in nail products and hair dyes. [2] Additionally, in human epidemiological studies and in animal studies, this chemical has been associated with toxicity to the immune system and also possibly with blood cancers such as malignant lymphoma. 605 Shares [4] Toluene has also been listed as a known human respiratory toxicant by the Environmental Protection Agency. [2] A Korean study that looked at workers chronically exposed to toluene below 100 ppm found that this lower dose exposure was associated with neurobehavioral changes and could result in attention, concentration and motor performance deficits. [3] Exposure to high concentrations of toluene via inhalation during pregnancy may be toxic to the developing fetus. 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