Nail polish is a common cosmetic product, generally safe when used as intended on fingernails. However, ingesting this product, especially in larger volumes, introduces a complex mixture of chemicals that can lead to adverse reactions. While a small taste may only cause minor irritation, swallowing a significant amount or experiencing aspiration presents serious risks requiring immediate attention. Understanding the ingredients, symptoms, and proper emergency protocol is necessary.
Primary Toxic Ingredients in Nail Polish
The hazardous nature of nail polish upon ingestion is primarily due to its chemical composition. Common solvents include ethyl acetate and butyl acetate, which are responsible for the product’s liquid state and quick drying properties. These compounds are volatile and can be toxic if absorbed systemically in large quantities, affecting the central nervous system.
Many formulations also contain components historically known as the “toxic trio,” such as toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), although their use has been reduced in many modern products. Toluene is a solvent that can affect the nervous system, while formaldehyde is a known irritant and hardener. DBP functions as a plasticizer to prevent chipping but is classified as an endocrine disruptor, meaning it can interfere with the body’s hormone systems.
Plasticizers like triphenyl phosphate (TPHP) are also endocrine-disrupting chemicals. When swallowed, these chemicals expose the gastrointestinal tract and internal organs to potentially harmful substances. The primary danger comes from their high volatility and systemic absorption risk, particularly in volumes greater than a small taste.
Symptoms and Risks Following Ingestion
The immediate physical reactions after swallowing nail polish include irritation to the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal lining. Contact with the solvents typically causes a burning sensation, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. A small ingestion is likely to result in only mild signs.
Systemic effects can occur if a substantial amount of the polish is absorbed into the bloodstream. These symptoms include dizziness, drowsiness, headache, and confusion. In severe poisoning cases, neurological issues like stupor, balance problems, or seizures can develop, particularly with products containing high concentrations of certain solvents like toluene.
The most severe risk following ingestion is aspiration, where the liquid enters the lungs, especially if vomiting occurs. The hydrocarbon-based solvents can easily coat the lung surfaces, leading to chemical pneumonitis or aspiration pneumonia. Signs of aspiration include persistent coughing, choking, difficulty breathing, and rapid breathing, which demand immediate medical intervention.
Emergency Protocol and When to Seek Medical Help
The primary step after any nail polish ingestion is to contact the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 immediately, regardless of the amount swallowed. Experts there assess the risk based on the product ingredients and the estimated quantity.
For immediate care, the mouth should be rinsed thoroughly with water to remove any remaining polish residue. Avoid inducing vomiting, as this significantly increases the danger of aspiration. Inducing vomiting can force the solvent-containing liquid into the lungs.
An emergency room visit is necessary if the person exhibits any severe symptoms. These signs include difficulty breathing, persistent and uncontrollable vomiting, loss of consciousness, severe confusion, or seizure activity. Taking the container of nail polish to the emergency room will assist medical professionals in identifying the specific chemicals involved and administering the appropriate treatment.