COLOR BIND
The toxic side of your nail polish.
Recently, while visiting my folks, I was reminded just how toxic nail polish is. I walked into a unventilated room and was overwhelmed by the solvent-based fumes of conventional colorful polish. There must be a less toxic way to be beautiful. Nail polish and related products are among the most dangerous cosmetics.
Traditional nail polish and nail polish removers are toxic, as they contain a number of solvents and plastics which are carcinogenic and disrupt endocrine function. These products include industrial solvents such as toluene, acetone, formaldehyde and phthalates. In October 2000, scientific studies on DBP, one of the common phthalates used in nail polish, uncovered reproductive and developmental malformations in rats and mice exposed to the chemical. These bad boys are obviously not good for the body. They have oxidative effects on the body, creating free radicals which have been shown to be one of the major causes of all diseases. Solvents produce the opposite effect of the antioxidants we strive to consume daily to prevent disease.
In our toxic world, it is essential to reduce our intentional exposure to such poisonous chemicals. They are not only bad for us, but are now being found in poisonous levels in our biological systems, including streams, rivers and oceans (Oros 2002). There needs to be a better way to promote beauty without poisoning our physiology and our environment. For this reason, many companies have developed safer alternatives.
Many companies are now promoting eco-friendly nail polish, but you have to look for solvent-free, water-based formulas. No solvents means no odor and an overall longer drying time to achieve a harder finish. The most natural nail polish on the market today are water-based formulas (where the main ingredient is water). These products still contain plastics, but most use natural coloring. These plastics still have endocrine-disrupting potential, but the overall toxic effects are greatly reduced. It is particularly challenging to produce nail polish without the use of some kind of plastic, usually polyurethane or copolymers. These act as a fixative to bind the polish to the nail and provide durability and flexibility. And while companies continually work to remove all toxic ingredients, it's not possible just yet. Also, look for earth-friendly, recyclable and biodegradable packaging, further reducing the impact on the environment.
I have tried water-based nail polish, and found that they work just as well as conventional nail polish, but you have to wait a little longer for them to fully dry. During this brief period, I like to meditate on the reduced toxic impact on my toes and the earth. The same companies who produce nail polish also carry removers with fewer toxic ingredients, and include plant- and water-based alternatives to the conventional products.
Other Trusted Sources:
womenandenvironment.org
