Noah Sinclair
Drinking nail polish remover is extremely dangerous due to the harmful chemicals it contains, including acetone, a clear liquid that evaporates quickly and is highly flammable. Ingesting nail polish remover can lead to acetone poisoning, which requires emergency medical treatment. Symptoms of acetone poisoning include vomiting, lethargy, seizures, and respiratory distress. In severe cases, nail polish remover poisoning can cause nerve damage, brain damage, internal bleeding, liver and kidney failure, and even death. Young people are particularly at risk of developing an addiction to drinking nail polish remover due to its intoxicating effects and easy accessibility. If left untreated, acetone poisoning can have devastating consequences, including organ failure and the need for transplants.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of intoxication | Alcohol content |
| Risk of addiction | Yes |
| Risk of poisoning | Yes |
| Risk of poisoning in adults | Low |
| Risk of poisoning in children | High |
| Treatment for poisoning | Pumping of the stomach within an hour of consumption |
| Symptoms of poisoning | Vomiting, lethargy, seizures, lack of normal venous blood hemoglobin desaturation, nerve damage, brain damage, internal bleeding, organ shutdown |
| Long-term health risks | Cancer, birth defects |
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What You'll Learn
Liver and kidney failure
Consuming nail polish remover is extremely dangerous due to its harmful chemical content. While drinking small amounts of nail polish remover as an adult is unlikely to be harmful, it can be dangerous for children, even in small quantities.
If an individual survives past 48 hours after consuming nail polish remover, their chances for recovery are good. However, long-term consumption of nail polish remover can lead to liver and kidney failure, requiring organ transplants for survival. Liver failure means that the liver is no longer able to perform its essential functions, which can be fatal without a liver transplant. Acute liver failure occurs rapidly within days or weeks, and can be caused by poisoning or severe viral infections. Chronic liver failure, the more common type, occurs gradually over months or years and is often the end stage of chronic liver disease. Symptoms of liver failure include abdominal pain, jaundice, altered mental status, itchy skin, dark-colored urine, digestive difficulties, weight loss, and abdominal swelling.
Kidney failure symptoms may vary as symptoms for acute and chronic kidney failure may differ and can resemble other medical problems. Therefore, it is important to consult a physician for an expert diagnosis.
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Nerve, brain, and internal damage
Consuming nail polish remover is extremely dangerous due to the harmful chemicals it contains, primarily acetone. While accidentally drinking small amounts of acetone as an adult is unlikely to cause harm, consuming larger amounts can lead to acetone poisoning, a condition requiring emergency treatment.
Acetone poisoning can cause nerve, brain, and internal damage. The corrosive nature of acetone can lead to damage to the delicate lining of the esophagus and stomach, resulting in internal bleeding. The quick absorption of acetone into the body can also lead to liver and kidney failure, requiring organ transplants for survival.
In addition to the immediate physical damage, long-term consumption of nail polish remover can increase the risk of cancer due to the various chemicals present. The accumulation of ketones in the body, including acetone, can lead to a condition called ketoacidosis, which is dangerous.
The standard treatment for acetone poisoning involves pumping the stomach, but this is only effective within an hour of consumption. Beyond that, the chances of recovery are good if the person survives past 48 hours. However, sudden death is possible in some cases of nail polish remover poisoning.
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Birth defects
Drinking nail polish remover is extremely dangerous due to the harmful chemicals it contains. While drinking nail polish remover because of its alcohol content is a dangerous trend among teens and young adults, it can also be harmful to unborn babies.
Young women who consume nail polish remover while pregnant have an increased risk of causing their baby to be born with birth defects. Research by the CDC has found suggestive associations between mothers working as nail technicians and hairdressers and having infants born with congenital heart defects, cleft lip with cleft palate, defects of the ear (anotia and microtia), and abdominal wall (gastroschisis).
Additionally, certain phthalates that were previously used in beauty products have been banned in the UK and European Union because they are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that can increase the risk of miscarriage and birth defects. While formaldehyde is still used as a hardener in some nail products, its use is highly regulated, and the risk of harm to an unborn baby from low levels of formaldehyde is thought to be low.
To reduce exposure to toxic chemicals, it is recommended to use nail products manufactured in the UK or EU that are free from harsh chemicals. Look for products labeled as "three-free," which are free from toluene, phthalates, and formaldehyde, or opt for alternative products with fewer chemicals if you are concerned.
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Cancer
Drinking nail polish remover is extremely dangerous due to its acetone content. While ingesting small amounts of acetone is unlikely to harm adults, even small amounts can be dangerous to children. Ingesting large amounts of acetone can lead to ketoacidosis, which is particularly dangerous for people with diabetes, as it can cause their blood sugar levels to spike and even lead to a coma. The ingestion of high amounts of acetone can also be fatal.
In addition to the immediate dangers, regular ingestion of nail polish remover can lead to several health issues, including an increased risk of cancer. While the exact mechanism by which these chemicals increase the risk of cancer is not mentioned in the sources, it is clear that the ingestion of nail polish remover is a harmful practice that can have severe consequences.
The liquid is quickly absorbed by the body, and acetone poisoning can occur rapidly. Treatment for acetone poisoning, such as pumping the stomach, must be administered within an hour of consumption to be effective. Beyond acetone, there are other chemicals in nail polish removers that can contribute to the risk of cancer with regular ingestion.
The use of curing lamps during the nail polish application process can also increase the risk of skin cancer. These lamps emit ultraviolet A (UVA) light, which is a known cause of cellular damage, skin aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. While LED alternatives are available, they may still emit some UV light, and the overall safety profile of these lamps is uncertain.
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Acetone poisoning
There is no cure for acetone poisoning, but doctors can provide supportive care while the body clears ketones from the system. Treatment includes monitoring and stabilising vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. In severe cases, intubation may be required to support breathing, and hemodialysis may be considered to increase the elimination of acetone from the body.
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Frequently asked questions
Nail polish remover is a liquid substance used to remove nail polish. It often contains harmful chemicals such as acetone, which is highly flammable and toxic.
Drinking nail polish remover is extremely dangerous due to the harmful chemicals it contains. It can cause acetone poisoning, which may lead to liver and kidney failure, nerve damage, brain damage, internal bleeding, and even death. If you suspect someone has consumed nail polish remover, seek immediate medical attention.
Ingesting nail polish remover can cause symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, seizures, and respiratory distress. In children, it can lead to a peculiar lavender skin colour, known as methemoglobinemia, and chocolate-brown blood.
If you accidentally ingest a small amount of nail polish remover as an adult, it is unlikely to cause harm. However, seek medical attention if you experience any adverse symptoms. If a child consumes nail polish remover, call the Poison Control Center immediately and follow their instructions.
To prevent accidental ingestion, keep nail polish remover and all household chemicals in a safe place, out of reach of children. Ensure that spaces are well-ventilated when using products containing acetone, and always wear a face mask and safety glasses for protection.
