Nail polish is a common item that raises questions due to its strong odor and chemical composition. The primary concern with nail polish use during pregnancy is not the small amount absorbed through the nail plate, but rather the chemicals that become airborne and are inhaled. While occasional use of most nail polishes is not linked to adverse effects, understanding the chemical components and practicing safe application methods can provide peace of mind.
Key Ingredients Raising Safety Questions
The main chemicals that cause concern in nail polish are known as the “Toxic Trio.” These substances have industrial uses and are included in nail polish for specific functional properties. Many manufacturers have voluntarily started to remove these ingredients from their formulas.
Toluene is a solvent that gives polish a smooth finish and helps it dry quickly. High-level exposure to toluene, such as from repeated occupational contact, has been linked to potential effects on the nervous system and respiratory irritation. Although the amount inhaled from a single application is small, it remains a chemical of concern for pregnant individuals, particularly with frequent use.
Formaldehyde is used as a hardening agent to increase the durability and chip resistance of the polish. This substance is a known respiratory irritant and is classified as a carcinogen. Exposure from occasional nail polish application is not expected to cause developmental issues.
Dibutyl Phthalate, or DBP, is a plasticizer added to polish to prevent cracking and chipping, making it more flexible. Phthalates are a group of chemicals recognized as potential endocrine disruptors. While DBP has been banned from cosmetics in the European Union, its low-level presence is not definitively linked to developmental problems in humans, though animal studies have raised theoretical concerns.
Routes of Exposure and Minimizing Risk
The primary route of exposure to nail polish chemicals is through inhalation of the vapors released as the polish dries. The substances in nail polish are volatile, meaning they readily evaporate into the air, creating the characteristic strong scent. In contrast, the nail plate is not highly absorbent, and minimal amounts of the chemicals are absorbed through the nail or surrounding skin.
To minimize risk, strong ventilation is the most effective safety measure during application and drying. Applying polish near an open window, using a fan, or going outside helps to quickly disperse the chemical vapors. This reduces the concentration of chemicals available for inhalation.
Application time should be limited, and the hands should be kept away from the face to avoid inhaling the fumes directly. It is also advisable to avoid applying polish on or around damaged skin or cuticles, as this could increase the potential for skin absorption.
Choosing Safer Products and Removers
Safer Formulas
The cosmetic industry has responded to consumer concerns by developing products labeled as “free” of certain chemicals. A “3-free” formula removes the three main concerning ingredients: Toluene, Formaldehyde, and DBP. Products labeled as “5-free,” “7-free,” or “10-free” exclude a progressively longer list of chemicals, offering a reduction in potential irritants.
Removers
When selecting a nail polish remover, both acetone and non-acetone formulas are generally considered safe for occasional use in a well-ventilated area. The small amount of acetone used in removers is not typically a risk to the developing fetus. Non-acetone removers often use ethyl acetate, which is also volatile, so the need for fresh air remains the same for both types.
Gel Manicures
For gel manicures, the use of a UV or LED lamp to cure the polish is considered low-risk. The duration of exposure is very brief, lasting only a few minutes. The UV rays do not penetrate deep enough to affect the fetus. For those who are concerned, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen or wearing fingerless UV-protective gloves on the hands during the curing process can minimize any potential skin exposure.