Toxins in Polish
It hasn’t been that long ago that I heard how toxic nail polish could be for me. I have to say of all the products in the world I hadn’t ever considered that thought at all. I had only come off a spree of looking for healthy facial foundations which had also been a revelation. My guess is that most people don’t consider this type of thoughts on a normal day unless they are into the “GREEN” movement. There is still a large portion of society in denial, but that is neither here nor there all of us make our own choices. This article is a compilation of information about the “ickies” in nail polish. So let’s begin, when we hear about avoiding toxins and things that cause allergies in nail polish we always hear about the BIG 3:
Formaldehyde - Formaldehyde is highly toxic to all animals, regardless of method of intake. Ingestion of 30 mL (1 oz.) of a solution containing 37% formaldehyde has been reported to cause death in an adult human
Dibutyl phthalate - DBP was added to the California Proposition 65 (1986) list of suspected teratogens in November 2006. It is a suspected endocrine disruptor. It was used in some nail polishes; all major producers began eliminating this chemical from nail polishes in the Fall of 2006.
Toluene formerly known as toluol, is a clear, water-insoluble liquid with the typical smell of paint thinners.
There were also two other iffy ingredients:
Formaldehyde Resin - Formaldehyde resin is a synthetic resin product made with formaldehyde as a base ingredient. It off-gasses levels of formaldehyde which can become dangerous during the curing process and over the lifetime of the product.
Camphor is a waxy, flammable, white or transparent solid with a strong aromatic odor. It can also be synthetically produced from oil of turpentine. It is poisonous in large doses, in small doses include tachycardia, vasodilation in skin (flushing), slower breathing, reduced appetite, increased secretions and excretions such as perspiration, diuretic.
I seriously thought that was more than enough to be concerned about for an item that is only meant as a fun enhancement. I was sorely mistaken; just today I found more bad news.
These following ingredients can replace formaldehyde in nail polish but despite their preservative effect can cause a slow and/or eventual release of formaldehyde. They are called formaldehyde realsors.
Quaternium-15 – this item is classified as being toxic, having harmful impurities and being and immune intoxicant by the Natural Purity Authority.
DMDM Hydantoin – protects products from spoilage however it is restricted for use in cosmetics in Japan due to safety concerns.
Ureas – This ingredient has been identified as a potential skin irritant
Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate – Used as an alternative to parabens although this ingredient is sometimes listed as any of the following: Glycine, N- (Hydroxymethyl) - Monosodium Salt; Glycine, N- (Hydroxymethyl) -, Sodium Salt; N-(Hydeoxymethyl) Glycine, Sodium Salt.
As I have done my research today I wondered about a few other very commonly used ingredients in polish and nail lacquers.
Butylacetate - Health Hazards: Butyl acetate vapors may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Continued use of a product containing butyl acetate may cause skin to crack and become dry. Butyl acetate is a naturally occurring and synthetically produced solvent. Function(s): Fragrance Ingredient; Solvent; MASKING
Ethyl Acetate is used as a solvent for chemical reactions. Because of its odor it is often used in cosmetics and its smell is associated with nail polishes. Short-term exposure to high levels of ethyl acetate results first in irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, followed by headache, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and unconsciousness. Very high concentrations may cause a stupor, but it is relatively non-toxic
Bisphenol A (BPA): Coming Soon
Benzoyl Peroxide: Coming Soon
Methylene Chloride: Coming Soon
Glycol Ethers: Coming Soon
Sources: (most links take you to the page with the information)
Innovateus
Toxipedia
EWG.org
Cosmeticsinfo.org
Truthinaging.com
Natural Skincare Authority
Natural News
Wikipedia
Wisegeek.com
Chemistry.about.com
Formaldehyde - Formaldehyde is highly toxic to all animals, regardless of method of intake. Ingestion of 30 mL (1 oz.) of a solution containing 37% formaldehyde has been reported to cause death in an adult human
Dibutyl phthalate - DBP was added to the California Proposition 65 (1986) list of suspected teratogens in November 2006. It is a suspected endocrine disruptor. It was used in some nail polishes; all major producers began eliminating this chemical from nail polishes in the Fall of 2006.
Toluene formerly known as toluol, is a clear, water-insoluble liquid with the typical smell of paint thinners.
There were also two other iffy ingredients:
Formaldehyde Resin - Formaldehyde resin is a synthetic resin product made with formaldehyde as a base ingredient. It off-gasses levels of formaldehyde which can become dangerous during the curing process and over the lifetime of the product.
Camphor is a waxy, flammable, white or transparent solid with a strong aromatic odor. It can also be synthetically produced from oil of turpentine. It is poisonous in large doses, in small doses include tachycardia, vasodilation in skin (flushing), slower breathing, reduced appetite, increased secretions and excretions such as perspiration, diuretic.
I seriously thought that was more than enough to be concerned about for an item that is only meant as a fun enhancement. I was sorely mistaken; just today I found more bad news.
These following ingredients can replace formaldehyde in nail polish but despite their preservative effect can cause a slow and/or eventual release of formaldehyde. They are called formaldehyde realsors.
Quaternium-15 – this item is classified as being toxic, having harmful impurities and being and immune intoxicant by the Natural Purity Authority.
DMDM Hydantoin – protects products from spoilage however it is restricted for use in cosmetics in Japan due to safety concerns.
Ureas – This ingredient has been identified as a potential skin irritant
Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate – Used as an alternative to parabens although this ingredient is sometimes listed as any of the following: Glycine, N- (Hydroxymethyl) - Monosodium Salt; Glycine, N- (Hydroxymethyl) -, Sodium Salt; N-(Hydeoxymethyl) Glycine, Sodium Salt.
As I have done my research today I wondered about a few other very commonly used ingredients in polish and nail lacquers.
Butylacetate - Health Hazards: Butyl acetate vapors may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Continued use of a product containing butyl acetate may cause skin to crack and become dry. Butyl acetate is a naturally occurring and synthetically produced solvent. Function(s): Fragrance Ingredient; Solvent; MASKING
Ethyl Acetate is used as a solvent for chemical reactions. Because of its odor it is often used in cosmetics and its smell is associated with nail polishes. Short-term exposure to high levels of ethyl acetate results first in irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, followed by headache, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and unconsciousness. Very high concentrations may cause a stupor, but it is relatively non-toxic
Bisphenol A (BPA): Coming Soon
Benzoyl Peroxide: Coming Soon
Methylene Chloride: Coming Soon
Glycol Ethers: Coming Soon
Sources: (most links take you to the page with the information)
Innovateus
Toxipedia
EWG.org
Cosmeticsinfo.org
Truthinaging.com
Natural Skincare Authority
Natural News
Wikipedia
Wisegeek.com
Chemistry.about.com