Nail polish is often used by women to beautify the appearance of nails. However, there are some risks of nail polish that can be harmful to health, especially if you use it the wrong way or the product you choose contains harmful ingredients.
Nail polish is generally used to make your fingernails or toenails look attractive. Currently, various types of nail polish are circulating in the market with various contents and colors. This aims to maximize the effect of decoration on the nails.
Although it can beautify your appearance, is nail polish really safe to use? Find out the answer in the following article.
Various Hazardous Chemical Substances in Nail Polish
Nail polish can contain various materials or chemicals that are harmful to health. Nail polish products that are claimed to be safer and healthier can also contain harmful toxic chemicals, but in lower levels.
The following are various hazardous ingredients that need to be wary of in nail polish:
- Formaldehyde
- Toluene
- Phthalates
- Mercury
- Heavy metals, including lead and cadmium
Toxic substances, such as formaldehyde or formalin, mercury, and heavy metals lead can be irritating to the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. In addition, exposure to these substances in large amounts or long term is also known to increase the risk of cancer.
Other substances in nail polish, such as toluene, can also cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and irritation to the eyes, throat and lungs.
Meanwhile, phthalates in nail polish can increase the risk of hormonal disorders, fertility problems, and early puberty in children. Phthalates are also found in many plastic products, such as bottles or eating and drinking utensils, as well as household cleaning products.
Impact of using nail polish on pregnant women
The use of cosmetic products in pregnant women, including nail polish, should be done more carefully. This is because exposure to toxic substances that are too frequent or too much can increase the risk of various health problems for pregnant women and fetuses.
Exposure to toxic substances from nail polish or other products is known to increase the risk of pregnant women having a miscarriage or giving birth prematurely. While in the fetus, exposure to toxic substances can cause congenital abnormalities, impaired growth and development, and low birth weight.
In addition, pregnant women must also be careful in choosing a nail polish remover. Look for nail polish removers that do not contain acetone, because high doses or long-term exposure to acetone can interfere with fetal growth and increase the risk of developing congenital diseases in the fetus.
Impact of using nail polish on health
There are several health problems to watch out for due to exposure to harmful chemicals in nail polish, including:
1. Disorders of the eye
The use of nail polish containing harmful ingredients is known to cause irritation or damage to the eyes. Symptoms that appear can include red, sore, and watery eyes.
2. Digestive disorders
You can experience indigestion if you are exposed to chemicals from nail polish for too long or accidentally swallow nail polish liquid. There are several symptoms that can appear due to chemical poisoning, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
3. Urinary tract disorders
Besides being able to interfere with digestion, exposure to harmful chemicals from nail polish can also interfere with kidney and urinary tract function.
When it causes kidney damage, you may experience symptoms such as difficulty or no urination at all, feeling weak, or swelling in the body.
4. Respiratory tract disorders
Many chemicals in nail polish are irritating. If inhaled in large quantities, nail polish can cause respiratory tract and lung disorders and cause symptoms of cough, sore throat, runny nose, or shortness of breath.
5. Nervous system disorders
You can also experience nervous system disorders if you are exposed to too many chemicals from nail polish, such as mercury, heavy metals, and formaldehyde. Exposure to acetone in nail polish remover is also known to interfere with nerve function.
Disorders of the nervous system due to exposure to toxic substances can cause symptoms in the form of easy drowsiness, balance disorders, hallucinations, to seizures.
6. Disorders of the heart
You may experience symptoms such as chest pain and an irregular heartbeat if you are exposed to harmful chemicals from nail polish or acetone. Therefore, nail polish needs to be used carefully and carefully.
How to reduce the risk of using nail polish
There are several things you can do to reduce the risk of using nail polish, including:
- Carefully choose nail polish products and stay away from products that contain harmful chemicals.
- Open windows and doors before applying nail polish to allow air exchange.
- Keep your hands away from your body when drying the nail polish.
- Avoid blowing off the nail polish while drying it, as you are more likely to inhale the nail polish chemicals.
- Every time you finish using and removing nail polish, don't forget to wash your hands with soap and water to prevent chemicals from sticking to your nails.
Nail polish can indeed make nails look attractive and beautiful to look at. However, make sure you choose a nail polish product that is safe so as not to interfere with health conditions. To be sure, choose a product that has been registered with BPOM.
If you experience certain complaints after using nail polish, you should consult a doctor for examination and treatment.
