Phthalate and Organophosphate Plasticizers in Nail Polish: Evaluation of Labels and Ingredients

Abstract

In the 2000s, nail polish manufacturers started promoting “3-Free” products, phasing out three widely publicized toxic chemicals: toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate (DnBP). However, DnBP was sometimes replaced by another endocrine-disrupting plasticizer, triphenyl phosphate (TPHP). Many new “n-Free” labels have since appeared, without any standardization on which n chemicals are excluded. This study aimed to compare measured plasticizer content against nail polish labels. First, we summarized definitions of labels. Then, we measured 12 phthalate and 10 organophosphate plasticizers in 40 nail polishes from 12 brands selected for popularity and label variety. We found labels ranging from 3- to 13-Free; 10-Free was the most inconsistently defined (six definitions). Our samples contained TPHP and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) at up to 7940 and 331 μg/g, respectively. The 5- to 13-Free samples had lower TPHP levels than unlabeled or 3-Free samples (median <0.002 vs 3730 μg/g, p < 0.001). The samples that did not contain TPHP had higher DEHP levels (median 68.5 vs 1.51 μg/g, p < 0.05). We measured plasticizers above 100 μg/g in five brands that did not disclose them and in two that excluded them in labels. This study highlights inconsistencies in nail polish labels and identifies TPHP and DEHP as ingredient substitutes for DnBP.

Asthma and/or hay fever as predictors of fertility/impaired fecundity in U.S. women: National Survey of Family Growth

“…Examples of nonallergic etiologies of asthma/asthma exacerbations, in addition to smoking, that are also associated with spontaneous pregnancy loss include infectious agents 97,98 , outdoor air pollution 99–101 , and indoor air pollution 102,103 . Indoor air contaminated by phthalates, ubiquitous semi-volatile endocrine-disrupting chemicals e.g., di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate used as plasticizers in polyvinyl chloride plastics and ingredients in personal care products/cosmetics 104,105 , result in higher phthalate exposure in women 106 and women of color 107 . Phthalate exposure is associated with an increased risk of endometriosis 108 .…”

Assessment of Multipollutant Exposures During Pregnancy Using Silicone Wristbands

“…We used multivariable linear regression to investigate a priori exposure-chemical relations, including the following: (1) reported nail polish use in the first trimester and total number of detected chemicals from personal care products and concentrations of triphenyl phosphate, di-n-butyl phthalate, diisobutyl phthalate, butyl benzyl phthalate, di-n-nonyl phthalate, and diethyl phthalate ( 30 – 34 ); (2) reported daily handwashing frequency and total number of detected chemicals; (3) self-reported gardening in the first trimester and total number of detected pesticides and concentrations of N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide, benzyl benzoate, permethrin, di-n-butyl phthalate, and diethyl phthalate [phthalates are sometimes included as inert ingredients in pesticide formulations ( 35 )]; (4) parity and triphenyl phosphate, as flame retardants may be present in infant products already in use in the home ( 36 ); (5) season of wear and benzophenone, an ultraviolet protectant ( 37 ); (6) season of wear and total number of pesticides. Additionally, we modeled the concentrations of chemicals detected in >60% of wristbands at 12 gestational weeks as a function of covariates and season, to assess possible seasonal differences.…”

Biological and environmental exposure monitoring of volatile organic compounds among nail technicians in the Greater Boston area

“…Health effects typical of long‐term toluene exposures in the ppmV range of a month, some of which are commonly reported by nail technicians, include the following: respiratory and eye irritation; irritated, dry, and cracked skin; nervous system dysfunction; headaches; dizziness; fatigue; and developmental impairment . While many nail polish brands are eliminating toluene, it may continue to be found as a residue in nail products.…”

“…headaches; dizziness; fatigue; and developmental impairment. 45,58,59 While many nail polish brands are eliminating toluene, 60 it may continue to be found as a residue in nail products.…”