Earlier this month, USA Today published a story about a California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTCS) report that found a number of nail polishes in the state's 48,000 nail salons have high levels of three potentially toxic chemicals.  Known as the toxic trio, they include toluene, dibutyl phthalate and formaldehyde.
State regulators found that a number of nail polishes advertised as being free of the toxic trio actually contained one or more of the chemicals.  The use of the three chemicals is not illegal so long as they are properly labeled.

Twenty-five brands were chosen at random, including some that stated they did not contain the chemicals.  According to the report, 10 of 12 products that claimed to be free of toluene actually contained the chemical and four of the samples had high levels.  In addition, 5 out of 7 samples that claimed to be free of the toxic trio had one or more of the chemicals at significant levels.  The attorney general's office is reportedly currently reviewing the DTSC report to determine if California's Proposition 65 regulations are being violated.

'Exposure to any of these three chemicals can create potential health concerns for salon employees and customers,' reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, a leading environmental and consumer product testing laboratory. 'There are over 121,000 licensed nail care technicians in California.  These workers may be exposed to these chemicals at dangers levels during their entire work day. Many nail salons are not adequately vented which could result in these chemicals building up to dangerous levels.  EMSL can help identify which products may contain this, or other, potentially toxic substances that could cause damage to people's health.  EMSL can also provide analytical services to test the air quality in nail salons and beauty parlors to ensure the indoor air quality is safe for humans.'

To learn more about testing for consumer products or indoor air quality issues, please visit www.ConsumerProductTesting.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The laboratory is FDA registered, ISO 17025 and GMP compliant.