The answer to whether nail polish is edible is a definitive no. This cosmetic product is a type of lacquer designed exclusively for external application to the nail plate. Nail polish is a complex chemical mixture formulated to dry quickly into a hard, durable, and glossy film, making it entirely unsuitable for consumption. While accidental ingestion of a very small amount may not lead to severe poisoning, ingestion of a larger quantity poses significant health risks. Curiosity, especially when young children or pets are involved, stems from its accessible packaging and bright colors.
Primary Chemical Components That Make Nail Polish Inedible
Nail polish is structurally a liquid plastic, with the primary components being solvents, film-forming polymers, and plasticizers. Solvents make up the largest portion of the liquid formula, typically around 70%, and they are responsible for keeping the film formers dissolved until application. Common examples include ethyl acetate and butyl acetate, which are powerful industrial chemicals that function to ensure the polish flows smoothly and dries quickly by evaporating into the air.
The film-forming polymers, often nitrocellulose, are the plastic material that creates the solid coating on the nail. These polymers, which constitute about 15% of the formula, are designed to be indigestible and robust to prevent chipping. To ensure this hardened film remains flexible rather than brittle, plasticizers like dibutyl phthalate (DBP) or camphor are added, typically making up about 7% of the formula. These non-food-grade chemical classes give the polish its functional properties but render it unsafe for the digestive system.
Health Risks Associated with Ingestion
Ingesting liquid nail polish can lead to immediate physiological consequences, primarily due to the high concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) acting as solvents. Even small ingestions commonly result in gastrointestinal distress, causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, stomach irritation, and abdominal pain. These immediate effects result from the solvents irritating the sensitive mucosal lining of the mouth, throat, and digestive tract.
A severe risk is chemical pneumonitis, which occurs if the polish is accidentally inhaled or aspirated into the lungs during ingestion or subsequent vomiting. Because the solvents are hydrocarbons, they can strip the protective lining of the lungs, leading to inflammation and difficulty breathing. Ingesting larger amounts of polish increases the risk of systemic toxicity from VOCs like toluene, which can affect the central nervous system, causing dizziness or drowsiness. While ingesting a dried chip of polish is less toxic because the solvents have evaporated, it still presents a foreign body that the digestive system cannot break down, which may cause obstruction or irritation.
Immediate Steps Following Accidental Swallowing
If someone, particularly a child or pet, accidentally swallows nail polish, remain calm and assess the situation. Wipe the mouth clean with a soft cloth to remove any residual product and give the person a few sips of water or milk to rinse the mouth and dilute any remaining substance. Avoid inducing vomiting, as this increases the risk of aspirating the hydrocarbon solvents into the lungs, which can cause severe respiratory damage.
Immediately contact the national Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance. When calling, be prepared to describe the amount ingested and have the nail polish container nearby to relay the ingredients to the specialist. If the person is choking, having difficulty breathing, or experiencing a seizure or loss of consciousness, call emergency services (911) immediately. Continue to monitor the individual closely for symptoms until professional medical advice is received.