Eating nail polish: the dangers and potential side effects
by GotoNails | January 09, 2025

Eating nail polish: the dangers and potential side effects

If you eat nail polish, it can be harmful to your health. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and even more serious complications. It's important to seek medical attention immediately if you or someone you know ingests nail polish. Remember to keep all nail products out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.

When it comes to eating nail polish, the risks may seem minimal for a small, accidental ingestion. However, consuming it deliberately or in larger amounts can be harmful. Nail polish contains chemicals that are not meant for ingestion and could potentially lead to health issues.

Key Takeaways:
Nail polish is not intended for consumption. Accidentally ingesting a small amount may not be dangerous, but deliberate or frequent ingestion can lead to toxic effects due to harmful chemicals. For concerns, contact a healthcare provider.

What Happens If You Eat Nail Polish?

Nail polish contains a mixture of chemicals that give it its unique characteristics like color, shine, and durability. These chemicals are safe when applied to nails but become risky if ingested. Nail polish typically contains solvents, plasticizers, and other additives, such as toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which can be toxic if swallowed.

How Nail Polish Ingredients Affect Your Health

  1. Toluene: This chemical helps the nail polish dry quickly and smoothly. However, when ingested, it can cause dizziness, headaches, and in severe cases, damage to the nervous system.

  2. Formaldehyde: Used as a hardening agent, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen. Although small amounts in nail polish are generally safe when applied to nails, ingesting it can cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract, shortness of breath, and in rare cases, death.

  3. Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP): This plasticizer helps the polish stay flexible and prevents it from cracking. While not as immediately harmful as other chemicals, DBP can disrupt the endocrine system and cause reproductive issues with long-term exposure or ingestion.

Immediate Effects of Ingesting Nail Polish

For most people, accidentally swallowing a tiny amount of nail polish isn't cause for alarm. The body may break down small amounts without significant harm. You may experience mild symptoms like nausea or throat irritation. However, deliberate consumption or repeated exposure can lead to more serious health problems.

Short-Term Effects

  • Nausea and Vomiting: The solvents in nail polish can irritate your stomach lining.
  • Headaches or Dizziness: Inhaling or ingesting chemicals like toluene can cause light-headedness or confusion.
  • Irritation of the Mouth and Throat: Chemicals may cause burning or discomfort when swallowed.

Long-Term Risks

  • Toxicity: Continuous ingestion or exposure to toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and toluene can accumulate in the body, leading to long-term damage to the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system.
  • Hormonal Disruptions: Chemicals like DBP have been linked to disruptions in hormone production and reproductive health, which could result in fertility issues over time.

What To Do If You Accidentally Ingest Nail Polish

If you've accidentally swallowed nail polish, it's important to take note of how much was ingested. For very small amounts, symptoms may resolve on their own without intervention. However, if you're feeling unwell or if a child or pet has ingested a significant amount, you should contact poison control or visit a healthcare provider immediately.

First Aid Steps

  • Drink Water: If only a small amount was swallowed, drinking water may help dilute the chemicals.
  • Seek Medical Attention: For larger quantities or if symptoms worsen, go to the emergency room or contact poison control.
  • Avoid Vomiting: Inducing vomiting is not recommended unless directed by a medical professional, as it can cause further irritation to the throat and esophagus.

Alternatives to Conventional Nail Polish

If you're concerned about the harmful effects of ingesting nail polish or want to minimize your exposure to toxic chemicals, consider using safer alternatives. There are several non-toxic, "five-free" or "seven-free" nail polishes available on the market, which avoid using harmful substances like toluene, DBP, and formaldehyde.

Non-Toxic Nail Polish Brands

  1. Zoya: A "five-free" brand that avoids toxic ingredients like formaldehyde and toluene.
  2. Sundays: Vegan and non-toxic, ideal for those looking for a healthier alternative.
  3. Ella + Mila: This brand offers "seven-free" polishes, which are free from common toxic ingredients found in regular nail polish.

How to Prevent Ingestion of Nail Polish

To reduce the risk of accidentally ingesting nail polish, here are some practical tips:

  • Apply Carefully: When applying nail polish, do so in a well-ventilated space and avoid touching your mouth or face until it’s fully dry.
  • Keep Away from Children: Nail polish bottles should be stored out of reach of children, who may accidentally ingest it out of curiosity.
  • Use Non-Toxic Polishes: Opt for non-toxic nail polish options, especially if you’re concerned about exposure to harmful chemicals.

Can Nail Polish Be Harmful to Pets?

Just as nail polish can be toxic to humans, it can also pose a threat to pets, particularly dogs and cats. If your pet licks or ingests nail polish, it could result in gastrointestinal upset, and in severe cases, toxicity.

Symptoms of Nail Polish Poisoning in Pets

  • Vomiting: Your pet may throw up after ingesting nail polish.
  • Lethargy: Pets may become unusually tired or weak.
  • Seizures: In extreme cases, the ingestion of large amounts can cause seizures.

If you suspect your pet has ingested nail polish, contact a veterinarian right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is nail polish toxic to ingest in small amounts?

Small, accidental ingestion of nail polish is usually not harmful, but it’s always best to avoid consuming any amount of nail polish due to the chemicals it contains.

2. What should I do if I swallow nail polish?

If you swallow a small amount, drink water to dilute it. If you experience symptoms like nausea, dizziness, or more severe effects, seek medical attention.

3. Are there non-toxic alternatives to regular nail polish?

Yes, brands like Zoya, Ella + Mila, and Sundays offer non-toxic nail polishes free from harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP.

4. Is it safe for children to use nail polish?

While occasional use of non-toxic nail polish is generally safe, you should supervise children to ensure they do not ingest it.

5. Can pets get sick from nail polish?

Yes, nail polish is toxic to pets if ingested. Contact a vet immediately if your pet consumes nail polish.

For more information on nail salons and recommendations for high-quality service, visit Gotonails.org, the go-to resource for finding top-rated nail salons near you.

by GotoNails | January 09, 2025 | Share
Restaurantji Rating
5 / 5 (1 votes)
You Can Go To