HEALTH: Nail Polish Risk: Harming Unborn Boys

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Nail Polish Risk: Harming Unborn Boys

Adapted from the " Care2 Ask Annie " newsletter.

 

A chemical known to harm the male reproductive system is found in many

nail and cosmetic products. The plasticizer, dibutyl phthalate (DBP),

causes birth defects of testicular atrophy, reduced sperm count, and

defects in the structure of the penis.

 

Not just a powerful reproductive toxicant but causing developmental

problems as well, DBP was found in every single person tested by the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in October, 2000. The

findings also showed the disturbing fact that women of childbearing age

have 20 times more exposure to DBP than the rest of the population. CDC

researchers speculate this is because of their higher use of cosmetics

and beauty products. Whatever the cause, pregnant women are exposing

their fetuses to DBP in utero.

 

The Environmental Working Group's (EWG) powerful new report, " Beauty

Secrets: Does A Common Chemical In Nail Polish Pose Risks to Human

Health? " by Jane Houlihan and Richard Wiles, names brands of 37 nail

products including polishes, enamels, hardeners, and colors, that

contain DBP. These include Chanel Nail Colour, Max Factor Diamond Hard

Nail Enamel, Maybelline Ultimate Wear, and Oil of Olay Nail Lacquer.

 

The report also lists products free of DBP and toluene and formaldehyde.

Types include L’Oreal Paris Jet-Set Quick Dry Nail Enamel, Revlon Nail

Enamel, and Kiss Products Kiss Colors.

 

After finding DBP in so many cosmetic products, the EWG recommends that

all pregnant women avoid all personal care products with the word

phthalate on the label. To order " Beauty Secrets, " with their full list

of toxic and less toxic nail care products, click here (link missing

from site... see note below)

 

Artificial Nails a Fire Hazard -

 

If after reading this you are thinking of switching to artificial

fingernails, beware of open flames! Long artificial fingernails are a

fire hazard. In a study at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, 87

percent of the sample nails tested ignited in one second or less. All of

the synthetic nails burned completely. Common ways for nails to catch on

fire is from open flames such lit birthday candles, lighting cigarettes,

and open gas flames on stoves or in chemistry labs.

 

www.care2.com

 

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Use these links to check the safety of your personal care products and

find out which ones are better.

 

Ideal Bite's Personal Care Library - our past recommendations for

natural personal care products.

http://idealbite.com/tiplibrary/tipheaders.php?view=Category & category=8

 

* Skin Deep - the Environmental Working Group's comprehensive guide to

the ingredients in personal care products.

http://www.ewg.org/reports/skindeep2/

 

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