Whether it's for a special occasion or a simple daily indulgence, painting one's nails is a habit deeply ingrained in many people's routines. However, behind this seemingly harmless act, there are several questions about the potential health risks it poses. Indeed, between inhaling potentially toxic fumes, skin absorption of chemical substances, and effects on the nail structure, several issues deserve to be addressed. The first problem posed by nail polishes is their high allergenic potential. Indeed, it's not uncommon for nail polishes to cause redness and itching around the nails, or even on other parts of the body due to accidental transfer, especially in people with atopic skin. These allergies are particularly common with semi-permanent polishes.
Moreover, while nail polish application beautifies the nails, it can paradoxically weaken them over time. Several factors contribute to this effect, including chronic exposure to resins and plasticizers found in polishes, which can alter the structure of the nail's keratin. Solvents, essential in a nail polish formula for quick drying, can also alter the nail's natural lipids as they evaporate, making it drier and more brittle. This is one of the reasons why it is advised not to continuously apply manicures and to take breaks.
However, the real danger posed by nail polish is the inhalation of its fumes. As soon as a bottle is opened, a strong odor escapes, indicating the presence of volatile organic compounds. These are the solvents in nail polish. While they allow the polish to dry quickly by evaporating into the air, they are inadvertently inhaled. Occasional exposure is not necessarily dangerous, but repeated and prolonged inhalation can be problematic. Indeed, in poorly ventilated environments, the volatile solvents in nail polish can cause respiratory irritations, headaches, and dizziness, especially with frequent use. These effects are even more pronounced for beauty professionals, who are exposed daily to the emissions of polish and removers, increasing the risk of chronic respiratory disorders.
A study assessed the exposure of nail salon workers to volatile organic compounds using five types of nail polish among the most popular in the United States. The simulated scenario involved applying polish to 32 nails every 15 minutes during an 8-hour workday, in a test chamber with controlled airflow. The results revealed that the concentrations of butyl acetate (161-330 ppm) and ethyl acetate (440 ppm) exceeded safety thresholds (respectively 150 ppm and 400 ppm). Additionally, formaldehyde was present at concentrations ranging from 0.12 to 0.22 ppm, above the limit of 0.10 ppm. This highlights the high exposure risks to these potentially dangerous volatile solvents in nail salons and underscores the need to increase ventilation and raise worker awareness about the hazards associated with these products.
The occasional use of nail polish in a home setting is not inherently dangerous, but prolonged exposure in a professional context raises more concerns.