Avoid Nail Polish Containing Toluene

Toluene is a very dangerous chemical found in many leading nail polish brands. It is part of the notorious toxic-trio: toluene, DBP (dibutyl phthalate) and formaldehyde. These are the three most harmful ingredients which are rampant in the nail polish industry. Toluene has indeed become an infamous nail enamel ingredient- its severe health risks have been exposed!Toluene is a solvent which enables nail polish to be applied to the nail bed smoothly, and also acts as a thinner. Although many on-the-shelf nail polish brands use this abrasive chemical for the above reasons, it is actually not a necessary ingredient in nail enamel and can be completely omitted altogether. Proof that toluene can be omitted from nail polish ingredients lies in the fact that several nail enamel companies create their products without the use of this solvent. These natural alternatives are generally water-based rather than chemical-based, ideal for women who are conscious of their health or who are carrying an unborn.Why You Should Avoid TolueneToluene is a very harmful chemical and should be avoided as much as possible, particularly during pregnancy! Many people are highly sensitive to toluene and report side-effects such as skin irritations, headaches and dizzy spells. Even if a person does not experience these immediate symptoms, long-term exposure to this abrasive solvent can cause more serious health problems, which often won't show up until it's too late. More serious risks associated with toluene are liver and kidney damage, brain lesions, behavioural changes and birth defects. Women should therefore avoid this chemical as much as possible and would be wise to seek a more natural polish brand.


Why Nail Polish (Containing Toluene) Should Be Avoided During PregnancyIt is widely reported that exposure to toluene may cause birth defects amongst pregnant women. Even low-level exposure of this harmful abrasive substance may be dangerous for the developing fetus. Therefore pregnant mothers should avoid typical nail enamel salons and popular brands with a high-chemical content (sadly, most).Read your ingredients carefully!Among the long list of ingredients found in your typical nail polish brands, you may not actually see toluene. This is because it could be masked under some other name such as toluol, phenylmethane or methylbenzene. So be aware!A More Natural AlternativeIf you do your research you will be able to find several toluene-free nail polishes available, which are generally water-based and do not have a horrible smell like your typical polishes do. There are not a lot available, but there certainly are some so have a good look! Thanks to the chemical-free brands on the market nowadays you can look beautiful without having to worry about wearing dangerous chemicals on your fingers or inhaling poison through your lungs!