Nail Polish: Air Pollutant Or Harmless Accessory?

Nail polish is a popular cosmetic product used to paint fingernails and toenails. While it is commonly used by people of all ages, there are growing concerns about its potential impact on air pollution, particularly in nail salons. The distinctive odour of nail polish is caused by a mixture of alcohols, solvents, resins, and plastics, which are known to have adverse effects on health. In addition, the presence of toxic chemicals in nail polish, such as formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), has raised questions about their impact on the environment and human health. Studies have shown that these chemicals can be absorbed into the body and have been linked to various health issues, including cancer, reproductive problems, and neurological damage. Furthermore, the ventilation standards in nail salons have come under scrutiny, with research indicating the need for better regulation to protect workers and customers from indoor air pollution.

Nail salons emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

VOCs are composed of thousands of trace gaseous organic substances. They impact air quality through gas-phase photochemical reactions, leading to the formation of secondary pollutants such as ground-level ozone and secondary organic aerosols, which can have adverse effects on human health. The accumulation of fragrances and other chemicals in nail salons contributes to overall air pollution, even outside of the immediate environment, as these compounds eventually escape into the outdoors.

Studies have detected various VOCs in nail salons, including ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, butyl acetate, MMA, n-heptane, toluene, benzene, d-limonene, formaldehyde, and EMA. The ventilation rates in many salons are inadequate, with high CO2 concentrations, and most nail salon technicians do not use personal protective equipment (PPE). This combination of factors increases the exposure of technicians and clients to VOCs.

The health risks associated with VOC exposure in nail salons are significant. VOCs can be absorbed into the body through the nail bed, and the strong scents in nail salons can trigger headaches, dizziness, and nausea in both customers and workers. Additionally, certain chemicals in nail polishes, such as formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate, are known to be toxic and can cause skin irritation, reproductive issues, and even cancer.

To mitigate these issues, changes in nail product formulations and improvements in ventilation systems are necessary to reduce VOC emissions and exposure.

Nail polish contains toxic chemicals

One commonly used term in nail polish is "five-free," which refers to polishes that do not contain five specific toxic ingredients: formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), formaldehyde resin, and camphor. Formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen, can cause eye, throat, nose, and skin irritation and has been recognised as a potential cancer-causing substance by the National Cancer Institute. DBP and toluene are reproductive and developmental toxins, with toluene also causing headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Camphor, a topical remedy, can be toxic if consumed orally.

In addition to the "toxic trio", conventional nail polishes may also contain other potentially harmful chemicals such as ethyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, fragrances, and dyes. These chemicals can be absorbed into the body through the nail bed and can contribute to indoor and outdoor air pollution. When disposed of improperly, nail polishes can leech their toxicity into the soil and groundwater, posing a significant environmental concern.

Gel polishes, which are cured under a lamp, have their own set of risks. The curing process involves photopolymerization, where the polish absorbs energy from UV or visible light to harden. However, most curing lamps emit ultraviolet A light, which is known to cause cellular damage, ageing, and an increased risk of skin cancer.

While there is no conclusive research on the health effects of non-toxic polishes, they may be a good alternative for those wishing to avoid specific chemicals found in traditional nail polishes. It is recommended to look for companies that offer nail polishes formulated without harmful chemicals and to check labels carefully.

Nail polish remover contributes to air pollution

The use of nail polish remover in nail salons has been found to contribute to air pollution. Nail polish removers are known to contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as acetone, toluene, and isopropyl acetate, which are released into the air during their use. VOCs are also present in other nail care products such as nail polishes, nail glues, and nail cleaners.

The emissions of VOCs from these products have been the subject of studies, which have found that they contribute to indoor air pollution in nail salons. In a study published in Atmospheric Pollution Research, researchers analysed the air in a group of nail salons in Boston and identified 18 distinct fragrance chemicals, including VOCs. This study highlighted the potential health risks associated with exposure to these chemicals for both workers and customers.

The odour of nail polish and nail polish remover is a result of the mix of alcohols, solvents, and resins/plastics that they contain. These chemicals can have adverse effects on individuals, including headaches, fatigue, difficulty breathing, and eye, skin, and airway irritation. The strong scent of nail salons is indicative of the presence of these chemicals, and prolonged exposure can lead to health issues for workers and customers alike.

To mitigate the impact of nail polish remover on air pollution, some salons have implemented ventilation standards and used adsorbent materials to remove VOCs from the air. Synthetic jet actuators (SJAs), for example, are low-cost, energy-efficient devices that can enhance the removal of pollutants from indoor air. Additionally, some nail polish brands have phased out toxic chemicals from their formulas, and there are "five-free" nail polishes that do not contain five specific toxic ingredients.

Overall, while nail polish remover contributes to air pollution, there are steps that can be taken to reduce its impact, including ventilation, the use of adsorbent materials, and choosing nail polishes with fewer toxic chemicals.

Fragrance chemicals in nail salons can harm workers' health

The air in nail salons is filled with fragrance chemicals, which can harm the health of workers. A study led by UW researcher Diana Ceballos analyzed the air in a group of nail salons around Boston and identified 18 distinct fragrance chemicals. This is the most comprehensive study to date of the specific fragrance chemical mixtures found in nail salon air. The study will allow researchers to further study the potential health risks associated with these chemicals.

The indoor air quality in nail salons is important for the health of both customers and workers. The strong scents and odors in nail salons can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea in some people. The health effects of these fragrance chemicals on nail salon workers can be even more severe, as they are exposed to these chemicals for prolonged periods. Surveys of nail salon workers have found a high prevalence of headaches, irritation, and fussiness, which may be caused by exposure to fragrance chemicals and other toxic chemicals in the salon environment.

Nail products, such as polishes, are a significant source of fragrance chemicals in nail salons. Conventional nail polishes contain a variety of chemicals, including solvents, polymers, and dyes, which evaporate during the drying process. In addition to the “toxic trio” of formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), nail polishes may also contain other potentially harmful chemicals such as ethyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, and fragrances. These chemicals can be absorbed into the body through the nail bed and can cause skin irritation and other health issues.

In addition to nail products, other sources of fragrance chemicals in nail salons include personal care products and cleaning agents. These products can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other fragrance chemicals into the indoor air, contributing to the overall chemical concentrations in the salon environment. It is important to lower these chemical concentrations to reduce indoor air pollution and its potential impact on the health of salon workers and customers.

To protect the health of nail salon workers, it is crucial to address the issue of fragrance chemicals in the salon environment. This may include improving ventilation and filtration systems, regulating the use of toxic chemicals in cosmetic products, and providing training and personal protective equipment to workers. By taking these steps, we can help reduce the potential health risks associated with fragrance chemicals in nail salons.

Nail polish waste can contaminate soil and groundwater

The global nail care industry, which includes nail polish, is a contributor to waste. The waste generated by the industry is not just limited to packaging but also includes the nail polish itself. When disposed of improperly, nail polish waste can contaminate soil and groundwater.

Nail polish is considered hazardous waste by many cities' household hazardous waste departments. It is placed in the same category as car batteries, insecticides, and house paint. This is because nail polish contains a slew of chemicals that can be harmful to the environment and human health. Up until recently, most conventional nail polishes contained a "toxic trio" of formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen and can cause eye, throat, nose, and skin irritation. DBP is a reproductive and developmental toxin, while toluene is a possible reproductive and developmental toxin and can cause headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. These toxic substances may be limited now, but they still find their way into nail polishes, and conventional nail polishes also contain other potentially dangerous chemicals like ethyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, fragrances, and dyes.

The toxic compounds in nail polish can leech into the soil and groundwater when tossed into the trash, causing environmental degradation. This is similar to how contaminants from mica mining can pollute nearby water reserves. The Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep database lists brands that are free of most must-avoid ingredients, and PETA features a comprehensive index of beauty brands that do not test on animals, including nail polishes.

Nail polish bottles are also not easily recyclable. While the bottles are made from glass, which is recyclable, recycling facilities can only accept clean and dry nail polish bottles. This means that any leftover nail polish must be properly disposed of, which is challenging due to its hazardous nature. As a result, hazardous waste may end up in the trash or go down the drain, contributing to soil and groundwater contamination.

To reduce the environmental impact of nail polish waste, consumers can opt for sustainable nail polish packaging and production processes. Some brands are now using polish bottles with caps made from sustainably harvested wood instead of plastic lids. Consumers can also look for companies that offer nail polishes formulated without harmful chemicals by checking if they have signed a compact with the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

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