Regulators issue reminder warnings for nail care products

Regulators are reminding the public to be cautious over nail care products as there are a number of health risks associated with their use.

Nail polishes need to be strong to resist chipping or flaking, and nail polish removers need to be even stronger to dissolve the polish. These products therefore contain a medley of chemicals that can be extremely dangerous when used for other purposes, so for those who enjoy a manicure or pedicure, or simply live with someone who possesses nail care products, take note.

Risks to health

Some nail products are extremely flammable. Bottles of nail polish and nail polish removers should not be exposed to flames like candles and lit cigarettes, nor heat sources such as hot hair tools.

Most of us are familiar with the smell of polish and it goes without saying that such products should only be used where there is good air ventilation. A very basic nail polish is usually made by dissolving nitrocellulose into butyl acetate or ethyl acetate. The solvent content can be very potent; inhaling or ingesting it can cause various adverse effects:

Risks of skin-related reactions

Nail products are not intended to be used anywhere other than the nails, and contact with skin can cause irritation and inflammation. In some cases, the harmful chemicals can cause an allergic reaction to the user.

Common ones include:

Historic complaints

Some 50 years ago, regulators reportedly received several complaints that some artificial nails with methacrylate monomers were causing damage to fingernails, deformities and dermatitis. These reports prompted some voluntary recalls, but the compound is still used in some nail products today, although they’re usually accompanied with strong warnings to avoid contact with skin to prevent allergic reactions.

Nail products can be extremely corrosive and must not get into contact with your eyes, nor should they ever be ingested. When used for their intended purposes, nail products are generally accepted as safe and do not cause any problems; but what we’re looking at here is the “what if” scenarios when things go a little differently…

Other nail products and their risks

Cosmetic nail products are not the only ones that carry risks. Nail products are also used to treat medical conditions like nail fungi, and these also carry strong chemicals.

Nail products are usually regulated by the relevant authorities to ensure they’re safe for their intended use. A lot of nail products carry extremely harmful chemicals but are deemed safe for use as long as they are used for their intended purpose.

Clear labelling and warnings

For safety reasons, clear labelling must accompany nail products, listing all the ingredients contained.

Consumers are always strongly encouraged to read labels to check for any relevant warnings.

Nail products must be kept away from children to prevent accidental ingestion or contact with the harmful chemicals. We’d also suggest that all packaging should be designed to be child-proof as well.

Due to a lack of effective alternatives, manufacturers sometimes have no choice but to use harmful chemicals in their products. As long as they are safe when used for their intended purpose and in a proper manner, there shouldn’t be any problems. On top of that, the warnings over misuse and risks of using the products need to be clearly advised.

Image Credit: https://pixabay.com/en/nail-polish-polish-nail-paint-paint-498665/