Gel nail polishes just got banned in Europe amid major concerns
Topics: Europe, Beauty, Health, Women's Health
Jen Thomas
Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images
Topics: Europe, Beauty, Health, Women's Health
If you love treating yourself to a new set of gel polish nails, some changes could be coming to the UK following an EU ban.
It doesn't mean you have to give up your fancy talons entirely, it might just be worth changing the polish you ask for, after studies highlighted potential health risks.
As of this week, many nail salons in Europe have to update their polishes for manicures and pedicures after some types of gel polishes have been banned for safety concerns.
It's all to do with one key chemical ingredient in the gel polish, which helps them to harden and gives the durability to last for weeks.
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The ban has taken place in 27 member countries of the EU, meaning they can no longer use the polishes which contain the questionable ingredient.
It's all because of the catchily named trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide, or TPO for short.
The ingredient is used as an 'artificial nail builder', and is applied when nails are held under a light to cure them and make the polish last longer.
It is referred to as a photoinitiator, meaning it needs light to activate.
This process is kickstarted when the gel polish absorbs UV or LED light.
The ingredient isn't just found in gel polishes, as it can also be found in different types of inks and adhesives.
Many nail salons choose to use it because it works well with UV lamps to set the nails to a rock-solid, durable finish which clients like.
The change came into place back on May 12, when the European Commission updated the regulations.
The new ruling said that TPO in particular had been identified as toxic, and claims it can be especially damaging for the reproductive system and should 'no longer be allowed in cosmetic products'.
However, there has been significant confusion as it is claimed that no studies have shown a valid link between TPO and health risk in humans.
Instead, the research showed that high doses of TPO had a negative impact on rodents.
Caroline Rainsford is the director of science at the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association in Britain,
According to the New York Times, she released a statement saying the research shows the ultimate 'worst case' scenario.
The amount used in nail polish is much smaller and far less concentrated than the amount used in the studied.
She stated that when applied to nails, 'the potential for the ingredient to be absorbed into our bodies is even smaller'.
The testing involved rats being given high oral doses of TPO.
The research showed the rats suffered from reduced fertility, testicular problems, foetal abnormalities and potential liver and kidney injuries.
Many nail salons in the UK are already switching over to polishes which don't contain TPO instead.
Also, many experts are suggesting that repeated exposure to the UV lamps should be of more concern to clients, with links to skin cancer.
Scientists recommend wearing sunscreen on your hands before a manicure for this reason.