On September 1st, the European Union banned trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide, or TPO, a key chemical ingredient present in some gel nail polishes. TPO can be found in certain cosmetic products as well. The European Union deemed TPO as a “carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction.”
What is a TPO?
TPO is a photoinitiator. When the chemical is in gel nail polish, it quickly hardens and cures by the absorption of UV or LED light. It is what gives gel nail polish its “glossy look.”
Due to the European ban, any products containing TPO are prohibited under the European Commission. Any existing TPO-containing products must be withdrawn from the market.
Concerns around TPO
One study showed that TPO can be toxic to human cells in extremely high amounts, which would not occur at a typical nail salon. However, most research has linked TPO’s health risks to rats. Due to their high oral dosage of TPO, there was a correlation to fertility issues, testicular problems, fetal abnormalities, and the possibility of liver and kidney injuries.
When speaking to the BBC, Dr. Dinani, a consultant dermatologist at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, said that “acrylates – chemicals which cause the gel to harden – can cause allergies.” Some gel polishes contain ingredients that act as skin sensitizers, which can absorb into the skin, causing dermatitis. This can also lead to a hypersensitivity reaction, otherwise known as a type of allergic reaction.
There has also been a conversation surrounding how the exposure to UV light used to cure gel nail polish can cause skin cancer, although the risk is low. A preventative measure can be to put sunscreen on your hands before you go to the salon.
U.S. Regulations
The United States usually takes on a reactionary approach, meaning bans are issued only when a product has proven to be unsafe or cause harm. However, the European Union leans more on the side of caution, which is why it banned TPO-containing products, as it was shown that they could potentially harm humans. In the U.S., it is against the law for cosmetics to have ingredients that can cause harm to consumers when the product is used correctly. Regardless, we may see an increase in alternative formulas.
It never hurts to be informed about what’s being put in your gel nail polish. You don’t need to switch up your routine, but it would be a good idea to put some sunscreen on next time you want that gel manicure.
Image Credit: Leeloo The First
