In an article in the Australian Daily Telegraph on menopause, menopausal women were advised to “try to reduce your exposure to chemicals and toxins, such as toluene and phthalates.” 

Both chemicals are common components in nail polish.  Toluene is be known to affect the nervous system, causing depression, headaches and nausea. Low to moderate levels of exposure can cause symptoms from tiredness to loss of hearing and colour vision.   And Phthalates (DBP) is not much better.  Studies have shown that phthalates can damage the liver, the kidneys, the lungs and the reproductive system.  And according to the article both chemicals can interfere with oestrogen production.

Curiously in 2005 the FDA confirmed that Toluene was “safe” for cosmetic use in nail products when limited to concentrations no greater than 50 percent.   And their take on Phthalates which is also widely used in plastic products?  They have been simply “watching it” but after bad press in 2008 they are now re-evaluating it.

Better safer than sorry, look around for toluene and phthalates free nail polishes – they are out there!

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 7th, 2009 at 7:15 am and is filed under Health & Fitness. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.