MIAMI ā Researchers believe most nail polishes -- even the ones claiming to be nontoxic -- are harmful to women's health and manufacturers need to come up with solutions.Ā
Researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health directed a team to test 40 popular nail polish brands for contaminants. Their findings wereĀ published in October's issue of the journalĀ Environmental Science and Technology.
Many manufacturers have stopped usingĀ dibutyl phthalate (DnBP), toluene and formaldehyde. Research found the three chemicals wereĀ associated with birth defects, obesity and cancer. Researchers said they foundĀ substitute ingredients that wereĀ also toxic.
Some of them label their products as "3-free" to let consumers know they are not using the toxic trio. Some are also marketing their products as gluten and paraben free with claims ofĀ Ā "4-free" or "5-free." Do not let the marketingĀ deceive you.Ā
Researchers found some of the "nontoxic"Ā samples had high levels of DEHP, used to replaceĀ DnBP. It is linked to "adverse reproductive health effects, impaired development and metabolic disruption." The study excluded gel polishes. They doĀ requireĀ the use of a UV lamp, and the American Academy of Dermatology warns the exposure can damage DNA and may increase skin cancer risk.Ā
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