Nail polish has been around since 3000 B.C.; It was created in China where they used bold nail polish colors like metallic, silver and gold; their nail polish was made of a mixture of egg whites, gelatin, beeswax, gum Arabic for texture while flower petals and alum for color. These colors represented strength and wealth to them and that is why the general society was not allowed to wear them. Later on, the Egyptians started to use nail polish for differentiating between classes, the lower class would wear light colored nail polish while the upper royal class would paint them dark colors. In the 19th century nail polish arrived to France and then England, Italy and the U.S., nevertheless it was not until the 20th century till this product alongside manicures became a popular lifestyle.
Since nail polish has been existent for years it has been “improved” in several ways, nevertheless that does not mean it is not harmful. The chemical ingredients in nail polish is extremely toxic and can lead to several diseases in the human body from cancer to disrupting our hormones.
Nail polish ingredients include the “Toxic Trio”
- Toluene causes irritation in the skin, eyes, respiratory tract and effects the central nervous system it is also an additive in gasoline.
- Formaldehyde causes irritation in the eyes, nose and sinuses
- Dibutyl Phthalate causes reproductive problems
Nail salon workers are risking their lives severely because of their long exposure to this product. They are at risk of having skin irritation, eye injuries, allergic reactions, nausea, respiratory problems, cancer, reproductive problems and much more. Recently companies have been adding TPHP (triphenyl phosphate) in their ingredients, this product can cause weight gain, hormonal problems and reproduction problems.
Many studies list that this product is not a necessity in ones’ life rather a type of fashion; adding that it is a must to decrease the use of this product for the sake of our health and to prolong our lives.
