Many women love to wear nail polish and will not let a week go by
without wearing it. It is not a minor-concern however, the alarming
fact that many popular nail polish brands are filled with toxic
ingredients which are known to cause great harm to the human body. Three
of the most toxic chemicals contained in many nail enamels are commonly
referred to as the toxic trio.
The Toxic-Trio
The toxic trio refers to three deadly chemicals found in most nail polishes. These are: toluene, DBP (dibutyl phthalate) and formaldehyde (methanal). These are the common names of these chemicals, however be aware that all of these toxic substances also have several other scientific names, or synonyms which could also be used on the ingredient lists on nail enamel bottles.
Cancer-Causing
These chemicals have a carcinogenic nature. Persons who undergo pro-longed exposure or high-levels of exposure to these toxic substances have a high chance of developing various cancers (chemically-caused cancers).
DBP (dibutyl phthalate) has been known to cause breast cancer of women who have been working with this chemical or have had pro-longed exposure over a period of time (for example, using toxic beauty products and nail enamel regularly over a number of years).
Formaldehyde (also known as methanal) has been observed to cause specific cancers including nasal sinus cancer and nasopharyngeal caner. It is also believed to be linked with leukaemia.
Serious Health Problems
Studies indicate that all chemicals of the toxic trio are very harmful to the human body. Toluene exposure can cause very concerning behavioural changes to both adults and children, brain lesions, liver and kidney damage, severe headaches and dizziness. Formaldehyde can cause reproductive disorders as well as abnormal menstrual cycles to women who have been over-exposed. DBP has been observed to disrupt the body's natural hormones, trigger asthma attacks, create fertility issues, and may also be linked to obesity.
Nail Polish and Pregnancy
Toluene can cause birth defects, so women should avoid using nail polish containing toluene during their pregnancy. DBP (dibutyl phthalate) is also a known mutagenic, so expectant mothers must avoid exposure to this chemical for the health of the unborn child. Women should completely avoid using chemical-based nail polish during pregnancy. They should opt for more natural water-based polishes instead.
Buy Water-Based Nail Polishes
You don't have to be deprived of wearing pretty nail enamels entirely! There are several more natural nail polish companies now that have created special water-based formulas. These are an infinitely healthier option than their chemical-based counterparts. Do your research and choose polishes that are formaldehyde-free, DBP-free and toluene-free for a more natural approach to beauty.
The Toxic-Trio
The toxic trio refers to three deadly chemicals found in most nail polishes. These are: toluene, DBP (dibutyl phthalate) and formaldehyde (methanal). These are the common names of these chemicals, however be aware that all of these toxic substances also have several other scientific names, or synonyms which could also be used on the ingredient lists on nail enamel bottles.
Cancer-Causing
These chemicals have a carcinogenic nature. Persons who undergo pro-longed exposure or high-levels of exposure to these toxic substances have a high chance of developing various cancers (chemically-caused cancers).
DBP (dibutyl phthalate) has been known to cause breast cancer of women who have been working with this chemical or have had pro-longed exposure over a period of time (for example, using toxic beauty products and nail enamel regularly over a number of years).
Formaldehyde (also known as methanal) has been observed to cause specific cancers including nasal sinus cancer and nasopharyngeal caner. It is also believed to be linked with leukaemia.
Serious Health Problems
Studies indicate that all chemicals of the toxic trio are very harmful to the human body. Toluene exposure can cause very concerning behavioural changes to both adults and children, brain lesions, liver and kidney damage, severe headaches and dizziness. Formaldehyde can cause reproductive disorders as well as abnormal menstrual cycles to women who have been over-exposed. DBP has been observed to disrupt the body's natural hormones, trigger asthma attacks, create fertility issues, and may also be linked to obesity.
Nail Polish and Pregnancy
Toluene can cause birth defects, so women should avoid using nail polish containing toluene during their pregnancy. DBP (dibutyl phthalate) is also a known mutagenic, so expectant mothers must avoid exposure to this chemical for the health of the unborn child. Women should completely avoid using chemical-based nail polish during pregnancy. They should opt for more natural water-based polishes instead.
Buy Water-Based Nail Polishes
You don't have to be deprived of wearing pretty nail enamels entirely! There are several more natural nail polish companies now that have created special water-based formulas. These are an infinitely healthier option than their chemical-based counterparts. Do your research and choose polishes that are formaldehyde-free, DBP-free and toluene-free for a more natural approach to beauty.
For more natural nail enamel and nail care products visit Toxic Nail Polish Ingredients for recommendations and information.
