Whoa there! New research out of California is stating that certain types of nail polish can lead to some very serious health issues.
Toxins in the nail polish have been linked to developmental problems, asthma and other illnesses.
Studies have even linked it to birth defects.
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Investigators chose 25 brands at random, including a number of products claiming to be free of the chemicals toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and formaldehyde, which are known as the toxic trio.
Investigators found that 10 of 12 products that claimed to be free of toluene actually contained it, with four of the products having dangerously high levels.
The report also found that five of seven products that claimed to be “free of the toxic three” actually included one or more of the agents in significant levels.
“We know there are exposures at salons, both to workers and customers, and we’re concerned about potential harm,” said Karl Palmer, the DTSC’s pollution prevention performance manager who oversaw the report.
Among the products tested that the state says were mislabeled were: Sation 99 basecoat, Sation 53 red-pink nail color, Dare to Wear nail lacquer, Chelsea 650 Baby’s Breath Nail Lacquer, New York Summer Nail Color, Paris Spicy 298 nail lacquer, Sunshine nail lacquer, Cacie Light Free Gel Basecoat, Cacie Sun Protection Topcoat, Golden Girl Topcoat, Nail Art Top-N-Seal and High Gloss Topcoat.
The DTSC says all three chemicals are linked to chronic health conditions and that the 121,000 licensed nail care technicians who work in the salons, many of them young Asian-American women, are most at risk.
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Proposition 65 is a state law that requires that all harmful chemicals in a product be revealed by the manufacturer. However, there is no way to completely remove the nail polish containing the “toxic trio” because it is not officially illegal to have it in the ingredients for nail polish.
As an educated consumer it is now up to you to only use products that guarantee that they have not used DBP or any part of the toxic trio. Your health depends on it!
SOURCE: The Associated Press
