Study: Flame Retardant In Nail Polish Found In Women's Bodies
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The safety of nail polish is being questioned by some medical researchers.
The average woman paints her nails once a week.
Nail polish contains several chemicals, and new research discovered one chemical is not only on women's nails, but also inside their bodies.
From the nursery to the nail salon, nail polish is popular with girls of all ages.
But a joint study by Duke University and the Environmental Working Group finds chemicals in some polishes can get inside your body.
Researchers tested women for signs of the common chemical flame retardant triphenyl phosphate, or TPHP.
Every woman had elevated levels after they painted their nails.
"Nail polish is the only personal care product that has this chemical listed as an ingredient," explains Tasha Stoiber with The Environmental Working Group.
It's estimated about half of all nail polishes have TPHP, which is also used as a flame retardant in some foam furniture like couches.
Experts say more research is needed on the effects of this chemical in humans.
Animal studies indicate TPHP is linked to reproductive and developmental issues.
Mom Jenna High whose daughters play with nail polish says, "I was shocked. I would say that I'm pretty cautious about what I expose my kids to, and nail polish is not one of the things I ever worry about."
In a statement, the group that represents nail polish manufacturers calls the research speculative and misleading, and points out TPHP has been widely and safely used across many industries, including to prevent electrical, automobile, and furniture fires.
"I think I will continue to let my kids use nail polish every once in a while because obviously they love it, but I will be more cautious about doing so." Jenna says.
TPHP is put in nail polish to make it more flexible and durable.
The Environment Working Group says a number of popular nail polishes contain the chemical, including Sally Hansen, Revlon , and Essie.
For more information about the study, click here.
