Caleb Foster
Nail polish is not poisonous when used as intended, and a small chip or fleck of dried nail polish that may have fallen into food is unlikely to cause harm. However, ingesting nail polish can cause mild irritation in the stomach or intestines, and symptoms of swallowing nail polish include nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. If you get nail polish in your mouth, wipe out as much as possible and drink small sips of water to rinse any remaining residue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Toxicity | Minimally toxic in small amounts |
| Symptoms of ingestion | Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain |
| Safety | Most nail polishes are formulated to be non-toxic once dried |
| Safety Precautions | In case of ingestion, give a few sips of water and monitor for mouth and throat irritation |
| Long-term exposure | Can lead to asthma, liver or kidney problems, and cancer |
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What You'll Learn
Nail polish is only minimally toxic
While nail polish does contain toxic chemicals, it is only harmful if ingested in large quantities. An average person would have to drink around 20 bottles of nail polish in a short period to experience any adverse effects.
Nail polish has been commercially available for decades, and manufacturers have invested significant resources into developing formulations that are safe for consumers. Safety tests are mandated for nail polishes before they are sold, and companies would not remain in business if their products made customers sick.
Some of the toxic chemicals found in nail polish include dibutyl phthalate (DnBP), toluene, formaldehyde, ethyl tosylamide/epoxy resin, lead, hydroquinone monomethyl ether (MEHQ/HQ), methylisothiazolinone (MIT), methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT), and parabens. These chemicals have been linked to various health issues, such as endocrine disruption, hormone changes, diabetes, thyroid irregularities, eye irritation, kidney and nervous system damage, and lung toxicity.
However, it's important to note that the toxicity of nail polish is a concern primarily for those who work closely with these products daily, such as salon workers. The cumulative exposure to these chemicals over time may pose a more significant health risk. Additionally, individuals with specific health conditions, such as MCAS, may be more sensitive to the toxins and fumes present in nail polish.
To minimize the potential health risks associated with nail polish, consumers can opt for less-toxic or non-toxic brands that are increasingly available in the market. These brands, such as YAPA, offer vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free options that provide a safer alternative to traditional nail polishes.
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Ingesting nail polish may cause mild stomach irritation
It is important to note that nail polish poisoning can occur from swallowing or inhaling nail polish. Inhalation of nail polish fumes can lead to a condition known as "painter syndrome," also called organic solvent syndrome, psycho-organic syndrome, or chronic solvent encephalopathy (CSE). Painter syndrome causes walking problems, speech problems, and memory loss, and can even result in sudden death.
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Drinking large amounts of nail polish could be dangerous
While nail polish is not considered poisonous when used as intended, ingesting large amounts of nail polish can be dangerous. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. If you swallow nail polish, wipe out as much as you can and rinse your mouth with water. Give yourself or the affected person a few sips of water and watch for vomiting.
Nail polish includes potentially harmful ingredients such as lacquer, top coat, base coat, gel polish, color pigments, solvents, binding agents, and alcohol. Some formulations of nail polish also include ethanol or rubbing alcohol. Long-term inhalation or ingestion of these chemicals can lead to negative health effects.
Toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate are known as the "toxic trio" of nail salon chemicals. Evidence suggests that long-term exposure to these chemicals can lead to asthma, liver or kidney problems, and even cancer. While nail polish is generally safe for pregnant individuals to wear, long-term ingestion of nail polish, as in the case of the 31-year-old woman mentioned in a Poison Control case, can lead to negative side effects and health complications.
In summary, ingesting large amounts of nail polish can be dangerous due to the potentially harmful ingredients present in nail polish. It is important to seek medical advice if you have ingested nail polish or are experiencing any negative symptoms.
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Give children who have ingested nail polish water to drink
Ingesting nail polish can be dangerous for children, and it is important to act quickly if a child has swallowed nail polish. Nail polish is considered minimally to non-toxic in small amounts, but large ingestions may be concerning. If a child has ingested nail polish, follow these steps:
Give the Child Water to Drink
Offer the child a few sips of water to help reduce any taste and soothe an upset stomach. It is important to monitor the child for any signs of mouth, throat, or stomach irritation, such as redness or swelling.
Observe for Vomiting
Vomiting may occur as a result of nail polish ingestion. If the child vomits, ensure they remain hydrated by continuing to offer small amounts of water.
Call the Poison Control Center
If symptoms persist or vomiting continues, contact the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. This call is free and confidential, and experts can provide advice and guidance on next steps. Alternatively, you can use the webPOISONCONTROL online tool to get case-specific advice.
Store Nail Polish Thoughtfully
Nail polish can be very attractive to small children, so it is important to store it safely. Keep nail polish out of the reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet or high shelf.
Seek Immediate Medical Help in Severe Cases
If the child experiences choking or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. These symptoms may indicate a more severe reaction to the nail polish ingestion and require prompt medical attention.
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If irritation occurs, call a poison control hotline
While nail polish is considered minimally toxic, nail polish remover is a different story. Nail polish remover often contains acetone, which can cause skin irritation and brittle nails. Acetone can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and by ingestion. Swallowing acetone can lead to serious side effects such as vomiting, depression, seizures, increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, acidosis, and other metabolic changes.
In the meantime, there are some general measures you can take to mitigate the irritation. If the nail polish remover has come into contact with your skin, wash the affected area with mild soap and water to remove any residual chemicals. If your eyes are irritated, rinse them with clean, lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes to dilute and flush out the irritant. If you have ingested acetone, drink water to dilute its concentration in your stomach and monitor for vomiting or other adverse reactions.
Additionally, you can take preventative measures to reduce the risk of irritation in the future. When using nail polish remover, ensure you are in a well-ventilated area to minimize the inhalation of acetone fumes. Apply petroleum jelly to your cuticles before using acetone-based products to create a protective barrier. Always follow the instructions on the product label, and avoid using nail polish remover on your skin or eyes.
Remember, if irritation occurs, don't hesitate to call a poison control hotline. They are equipped with the necessary expertise to guide you through the appropriate steps for managing and alleviating the irritation caused by nail polish remover.
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Frequently asked questions
Nail polish is only minimally toxic in small amounts. Ingesting it can cause mild irritation in the stomach or intestines. If you've ingested nail polish, it is recommended that you drink some water and monitor yourself for mouth and throat irritation or vomiting.
Nail polish is usually removed with an acetone-based nail polish remover. Acetone can be harsh and drying, so limiting contact time can reduce damage to the nail plate, skin, and cuticles.
There are several types of nail polish, including classic, hybrid, gel, and dip powder. Classic nail polish is painted on in multiple coats and air-dried. Hybrid nail polish is similar but is intended to be longer-lasting. Gel nail polish is cured under a lamp, which dries and hardens the polish instantly. Dip powder nail polish involves dipping the nail into a finely milled acrylic powder or brushing it onto the nail, then applying an activator.
