Depending on what you find, you may want to switch nail polish brands.
Research from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and Duke University suggests that wearing nail polish for 10 to 14 hours can have unexpected (and unwanted) side effects.
The study involved 26 volunteers who applied nail polish and then went about their daily routine. After 10 to 14 hours, the researchers tested and found triphenyl phosphate (TPHB) in each participant. What’s more, a press release accompanying the study notes that “the detection of the chemical in women’s urine spiked after nail polish application.”
“Importantly, two of the eight polishes that tested positive for TPHP were not identified on the product label,” the press release said. “Duke’s researchers chose not to release the names of these two polishes and six other polishes containing TPHP, and the lab only tested 10 samples, not the manufacturers’ entire nail products.”
The study authors also speculated that before the study was released, some manufacturers might change their labels to report the presence of TPHB.
So, why might this be a big deal?
TPHB is a plasticizer used to make products more flexible. In the case of nail polish, premature cracking can be prevented.
Several studies have shown that TPHB alters the endocrine system of animals and the hormonal and reproductive systems of humans. Some scientists worry that the chemical may increase the risk of certain diseases.
In addition, some studies show an association between TPHB and weight gain. It affects the body’s metabolism and increases the risk of obesity.