Nail polish is one of the common cosmetic products used by women and sometimes men across the world to enhance the look of their nails. However, some questions have been raised concerning the effects of the type of formulation used in nail polishes that define their effects on the health of the users. The shocking thing that people should know is that some nail polishes might contain some carcinogenic compounds and whether they are safe to use or dangerous to our health in the long run.
Understanding the Risks
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Most of the traditional nail polishes have a mix of chemicals that act as a basis for the body of the varnish, its color, and sturdiness. Amongst these chemicals, there exists some of which are known to cause got health problems, including; Formaldehyde, Toluene, Dibutyl phthalate (DBP). Formaldehyde is listed as a carcinogen, which is an agent that gives rise to cancer. Has a number of applications, among which it is most often used as a hardening agent for nail Polish. Prolonged exposure to formaldehyde is likely to result in respiratory ailments, and it is a known carcinogen.
Another poisonous chemical that is used in most of the nail polishes is toluene. Toluene congests the blood vessels, making it hard for the blood to circulate freely, which may lead to death. It aids in giving a shiny and silky surface, though it is known to have several impacts on development and reproductive health. While minor exposure to toluene impacts the nervous system and causes headaches, dizziness, etc., severe neurological impacts include loss of sensation, muscle weakness, and movement disorders.
DBP helps to stop the varnish from becoming very brittle Their uses include Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) Still, DBP is an endocrine disruptor which results in the interruption of the usual functioning of hormones. Epidemiological studies done show that exposure to DBP affects reproductive health, and development in children.
Regulation and Safety Standards
The rules and policies that concern the use of chemicals in cosmetics differ from one country to the other. In certain countries like those within the European Union the regulations are more stringent because they aim at reducing the usage of dangerous compounds in the personal products. Some chemicals have been prohibited or limited in the EU such as; Formaldehyde and DBP in the nail polishes.
In the USA, the authority responsible for the safety of cosmetics is the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but it doesn’t control the usage of definite chemicals in nail polish. This lack of stringent regulation can be a problem to the consumers especially when they become conscious of possible health complications.
These normally include potential health risks related to some of the chemicals used in putting the nail polish. Despite the fact that customary nail polishes may contain cancer-triggering compounds such as formaldehyde, toluene and DBP, there are less dangerous products. It is possible to buy nail polishes that do not contain any of these dangerous compounds and familiarise yourself with the potential health dangers of the ingredients, thus safely appreciating this popular cosmetic. Be conscious and cautious regarding your health; hence, be wise in the cosmetic products you use.
Finding Safe Alternatives
As the consequences of using established nail polishes are being identified more often, consumers are in search of nickel-free nail polishes. Thankfully, the beauty industry has come up with nail polish products that are currently branded “3-Free”, “5-Free”, or even “10-Free”. These brands mean that the nail polish does not contain certain forms of chemicals such as formaldehyde, toluene and DBP.
3-It is also important to note that Free nail polishes do not contain; Formalin, Toluene, and DBP. 5-Free products take this effort even further and rule out further dangerous chemicals for example camphor and formaldehyde resin. 10-Free formulas exclude even more ingredients that can be potentially damaging to health so 10-Free formulas can be considered safer for those who worry about chemicals.
Making Informed Choices
In order to reduce the risk attached to nail polish, one has to make the right decisions. To achieve this, make sure to undertake a search of brands that have all their ingredients stated and confirm their safety. Choosing the polishes that do not contain such substances and are labelled as ‘’free from’’ such chemicals can also be a long-term solution to reducing the effects of negative impacts of these chemicals to your health.
Furthermore, limit the application of nail polish and if possible do it rarely and apply it when there is enough fresh air as fumes might be unhealthy for your lungs. It is also advisable not to spend too much time whilst cleaning nails with it so as to avoid direct contacts with any residues.
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