The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Nasima Hossain
Public Health Advocate
Office: 202-546-9707 ext. 316

nhossain@pirg.org

Toxins in Nail Polish a Potential Danger to Women and Children

WASHINGTON

Statement of Nasima Hossain Public Health Advocate, on the dangers of toxins in nail polish.

An article yesterday in the San Francisco Chronicle finds a report produced by the California Environmental Protection Agency's Department of Toxic Substances Control, the San Francisco Department of the Environment, the California Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found that there are trace amounts of three dangerous toxins in nail polish. The toxins are toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and formaldehyde all known to have adverse health effects. What is startling about the report is that nail polish, that are labeled toxins free are more likely to have these toxins in them.

"Research has shown that the toxic-trio cause reproductive harm, cancer and asthma. I am very concerned that parents understand this as little girls are known to use their mother's nail polish for dress-up or fun. In this respect parents should be careful when using these products."

"Nail polish manufacturers need to be completely honest in labeling their products. This practice of labeling nail polish, "three-free," when they are not is grossly dishonest and knowingly misleads consumers and nail salon workers into thinking they are using a safe product when they are not. Women and nail salon workers should have the option to buy properly labeled safe nail polish."

U.S. PIRG, the federation of state Public Interest Research Groups (PIRGs), stands up to powerful special interests on behalf of the American public, working to win concrete results for our health and our well-being. With a strong network of researchers, advocates, organizers and students in state capitols across the country, we take on the special interests on issues, such as product safety,political corruption, prescription drugs and voting rights,where these interests stand in the way of reform and progress.