The chemical solvents and plasticizers used in many conventional nail polishes may be absorbed thru the porous surface of the nail and/or inhaled as fumes. Once absorbed, they go directly into the bloodstream and are not processed through the body's detoxifying organ - the liver. Synthetic colours used in polishes may also impact your health.

Acetates (amyl, butyl and ethyl)
These chemical solvents are all potentially irritating to the skin and have some neurotoxin effects. Amyl acetate can cause central nervous system depression when ingested (lesson here - don't bite your nails!) and exposure to high concentrations can cause headache, fatigue, and chest pain. Butyl acetate may cause eye irritation and is toxic when inhaled as high concentrations. Ethyl acetate vapors are irritating and prolonged inhalation may cause kidney and liver damage.

Dibutyl-phthalate (DBP)
Dibutyl phthalate is a plasticizer used to give nail polish its flexibility and prevent polish from cracking. DBP is a very low volatile chemical (meaning will not evaporate quickly) and thus exposure is prolonged when the polish is applied to nails. Phthalate will stay on the nails with the polish and can penetrate into our system through skin and through inhalation.DBP is of particular concern because documented exposures are high and its health effects are potentially very serious. Interferes with normal hormone balance and disrupts endocrine system - links to early puberty in girls.

Reproductive toxins
DNA damage to sperm can lead to infertility and may also be linked to miscarriages, birth defects, infertility and cancer in offspring. Damage to reproductive organs, linked to birth defects and fertility problems. A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives (December 2002) found that DBP is damaging to the DNA of sperm in adult men at current levels of exposure. DBP is a recognized carcinogen increasing evidence suggest toxic to the liver, lungs and kidney.

Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is used as a preservative in nail polish and acts as a nail hardener to stop polish from chipping. Exposure through contact to the skin results in rashes and other skin irritations and breathing in the fumes often leads to coughing and wheezing, It is a known human carcinogen. Other symptoms can include headaches, fatigue, dizziness and immune dysfunction. This chemical has also been banned in Europe.

Toluene
Toluene is mainly used as a solvent (provides the liquid based to move polish from bottle to brush to nail) and gives nail polish its smooth finish and promotes quick drying. It is regulated in Canada to not comprise more than 50% of the ingredients in polish - see Hot List details. Exposure occurs from contact with nail and skin and also from fumes. Evidence of its toxic potential has been growing but the US-based Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel has deemed toulene safe as currently used. Toluene has recently been banned in Europe.

Toulene has many effects that are of concern; including; central nervous system - long term exposure to low levels can cause fatigue, confusion, memory loss, tingling in fingers and toes, nausea, loss of appetite, skin irritation and respiratory problems. Irritating to skin and respiratory tract and may cause kidney and liver damage.

Possibly a reproductive disruptor - pregnant women can transmit to the fetus via the placenta and then to the infant through breast milk. A recent study of women of child-bearing age working in nail salons found that ongoing exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), like toulene, phthalates, formaldehyde, and acetone can spur occupational asthma and decrease attention and processing skills.

Colouring Agents
Although used in small quantities in individual cosmetics products, the cumulative effect of colouring agents can pose some health risks. Some commonly used dyes are allergens and irritants. Some colouring agents may contain lead acetate, a heavy metal toxic to the nervous system. Others are linked with cancers. Particularly found in many FD&C and D&C colours. Certified colour additives are derived primarily from petroleum and are sometimes known as "coal-tar dyes" or "synthetic-organic" colors. They are noted on a label with a three-part name - including a prefix FD&C, D&C, or External D&C; a color; and a number. Look for these worrying are "coal-tar" dyes: .FD&C Blue 1 and FD &C Green 3 are carcinogenic D&C Red 33, FD&C Yellow 5 and FD&C Yellow 6 impurities have been shown to cause cancer when applied to the skin.

Source: [url=http://www.pureknowhow.com/content/effectsnailpolish.php]Pure Know How - Effects of Common Nail Polish Ingredients[/url]

Reading this text makes you think twice before applying another coat of nail polish!

Wow. I never knew all that. It's kinda scary. I know recently a nail salon around here got into some trouble because they were using nail polish that had some kind of ingredient in it that I guess was illegal to use. I can't remember the name of the ingredient though.

Unfortunately, these dangerous ingredients are not only found in nail polish and there are also other ones that are mixed into many other everyday products. It is hard to keep track but one can never be too careful...

OMG!! that is really, really scary. I mean, I guess I shoulda expected it to not be healthy but that's just bad. I wonder what all of this will do to our bodies after years and years of use... Companies don't really think about us.. obviously

Why do things that are designed to make people look beautiful also have to be deadly? You'd think that companies would respect their consumers enough to put non-toxic ingredients in their products.