A growing number of people are questioning the safety of common nail procedures, specifically regarding the potential for cancer. This concern stems from two main sources: the chemical components found in many nail products and the ultraviolet (UV) light used to cure gel polishes. Understanding the risks involves examining the ingredients that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air and the cumulative effect of low-dose UV exposure on the skin. The overall risk is not uniform and changes significantly based on whether a person is a customer receiving occasional services or a salon worker with daily, chronic exposure.
The Primary Chemical Concerns
Many traditional nail polishes and acrylic products contain substances that are classified as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and are known or suspected health hazards. A group of these chemicals is often referred to as the “toxic trio,” which includes formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). Formaldehyde is used as a hardening agent in some products and is categorized as a known human carcinogen. Exposure to formaldehyde can also trigger respiratory issues, such as asthma-like symptoms, and cause skin irritation.
Toluene is a solvent included to help polish apply smoothly, but it is classified as a neurotoxin. Exposure to toluene can impair the central nervous system, and it is also associated with reproductive health concerns. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is added to prevent chipping, but it is primarily recognized as an endocrine disruptor, potentially altering hormone levels and affecting reproductive health. These chemicals can enter the body through inhalation of fumes during application or, to a lesser extent, through skin absorption.
The risk of exposure is not limited to the customer’s appointment time, as VOCs can linger in the air long after the product has dried. Unlike drugs, cosmetic products like nail polish do not require pre-market approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with the exception of color additives. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their products, but this regulatory structure means that many substances of concern are still permitted.
UV Exposure from Curing Lamps
Gel manicures rely on UV-emitting lamps to cure and harden the polish, a process that exposes the skin of the hands to ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation. UVA light is a longer wavelength that penetrates deeper into the skin than UVB, and it is strongly linked to skin aging and increased risk of skin cancers, including both melanoma and non-melanoma types. Recent studies utilizing human and mouse cells exposed to UV nail lamps demonstrated that the radiation can cause DNA damage and cell death.
These laboratory studies used continuous, high-intensity exposure, which is more severe than a typical manicure session. However, the cumulative effect of frequent, low-dose exposure from these lamps over many years is the primary concern for customers. While the risk from an occasional visit is generally considered low, the nail plate itself offers some protection. The nail plate blocks most of the UVB and a significant portion of the UVA from reaching the nail bed.
Occupational Exposure Risks in Nail Salons
The most significant health risks are borne by nail technicians and other salon workers due to their constant, high-volume exposure to chemical vapors and dust. A customer may visit a salon once a month, but a worker is exposed for eight or more hours a day, multiple days a week, dramatically increasing their cumulative risk. Workers inhale the volatile organic compounds from polishes and removers, as well as fine dust particles generated from filing artificial nails. This acrylic dust can contain particles small enough to pass into the lungs, potentially leading to respiratory conditions like occupational asthma or other long-term illnesses.
The daily exposure is often compounded by inadequate ventilation systems in many salon environments. When chemical vapors and dust are not properly exhausted outside, they accumulate in the air, creating a much higher concentration of airborne toxins for the worker. Constant contact with products can also lead to skin sensitization and allergic reactions. This chronic occupational exposure is a far greater determinant of cancer risk than the short-term exposure experienced by customers.
Practical Risk Mitigation and Safety Measures
Customers can take several steps to minimize their exposure to potentially hazardous substances. Selecting products labeled as “3-free,” “5-free,” or “7-free” can help avoid the most common concerning chemicals, such as formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP. Before a gel manicure, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen to the hands or wearing specialized UV-protective, fingerless gloves can shield the skin from UVA radiation during the curing process. It is also helpful to choose a salon that has visible, high-quality ventilation systems, such as source capture extraction fans or downdraft tables, which pull fumes and dust away from the breathing zone.
Salon owners have an obligation to implement engineering controls to protect both staff and clients. The most effective measure is providing adequate local exhaust ventilation at each workstation to capture dust and chemical vapors at the source. Technicians should also wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as nitrile gloves. Regularly cleaning and maintaining ventilation filters and ensuring proper waste disposal also contributes to a safer environment for everyone.