Nail Polish Risk

A common chemical in most polishes is being linked to a number of birth defects. The chemical called Dibutyl Phthalate or DBP shows up in very high levels in women of child-bearing age according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control.

Following the report, the Environmental Working Group did a survey of cosmetics and their ingredients. The results published in their report "Beauty Secrets" show that 27 nail products by 22 manufacturers including Maybelline, Sally Hansen, Cover Girl and Chanel contain DBP. Nail polishes, top coats and hardeners all contain DBP.

DBP exposure was found to be up to 20 times greater for women of child-bearing age than the general population. Women of childbearing age are also those prone to get pregnant.

Because of the evidence of birth defects found from DBP in animals, the Environmental Working Group is urging pregnant women not to use products with DBP and cautioning the general public to more closely inspect labels for DBP. They are calling on the FDA to better regulate DBP.

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