The ordinary nail polish or name brands that we find in most commercial stores including drug stores and department stores contain three main ingredients: formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP (dibutylphthalate). The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics identifies these ingredients as “toxic trio”. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified formaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen. Most people consider it as a cancer causing substance. For most people, this ingredient causes watery eyes, burning in the back of the throat, headaches, and breathing difficulties. Toluene is associated with eye irritation, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Some studies have linked this ingredient to birth defects and therefore, pregnant women should take additional care. When it present in drinking water, it could lead to kidney and liver damage and therefore, it has been limited to a minimum percentage. Someone’s exposure to DBP linked to birth defects and fertility issues. Another study found a link between DBP and early puberty in girls. The U.S. Congress has banned this element from toys.
So, use a non-toxic nail polish to avoid exposure to toxins. Some of them are available in the market that contains healthy ingredients such as green tea extract, Vitamin C and E, and wheat germ. These may even strengthen your nails.