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The sharp smell that emanates from a nail polish remover can be a big turn-off. It makes you wonder if you should be applying it on your nails in the first place. But that goes the same with the nail polish itself. This leaves us with the question, are nail polish remover fumes harmful?
Nail polish removers have been used since time immemorial with no reported adverse or fateful effects. However, prolonged inhaling of the fumes can cause some health complications. It has been reported that nail polish fumes can interfere with your brain. Apparently, it can make you slow and fuzzy.
Even though acetone is a present element in the human body, it has often been branded as the enemy. Most manufacturers’ have gone ahead to produce and label their removers as ‘acetone-free’. This has also become the major selling point for most nail polish removers.
However, according to the director of OPI Products, Paul Bryson; “Acetone is one of the safest solvents other than water.” Even with the statement, there is still a general concern about overall nail polish removers, acetone included. Keep reading to find out all about the potential effects of nail polish removers on your health and how you can protect yourself while using them.
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What Happens if You Inhale Nail Polish?
It all depends on how much and how long you are exposed to nail polish fumes. Too much of anything is never healthy. Not even the good old water. Most studies have been very controversial and subtle when it comes to this topic. Perhaps there has not been enough research and evidence on the same.
There are some serious and poisonous chemicals found in most nail polish. Some of them include but are not limited to; Toluene, Butyl acetate, Ethyl acetate, and Dibutyl phthalate. Most popular nail polish manufacturers are now going organic and they are removing most of these poisonous chemicals from their formulas.
Here are some of the things that can happen due to too much exposure to nail polish for longer periods.
· It Can Affect Bladder and Kidneys
Too much inhalation of nail polish fumes can have adverse effects on both your bladder and kidneys. These are the major organs that are responsible for the expulsion of toxic wastes from our bodies. Inhaling nail polish can increase the need to urinate most of the time. This can in turn lead to adverse hydration.
· Organ Irritation
Exposure to too much nail polish fumes can irritate the major open organs in your body. This includes your ears, eyes, mouth, throat, and nose. In a few extreme cases, inhalation and exposure can cause major damage to organs like eyes and severe sore throat.
· Nausea and Vomiting
Inhaling too much nail polish fumes can adversely affect your gastrointestinal system. Too much irritation to this system can cause nausea and vomiting. It can also cause abdominal pain and discomfort. All these eventually end up in hydration which is not good for your entire body system.
· Difficulty in Breathing
Nail polish fumes aren’t exactly kind to your lungs. This pair is responsible for the regulation of airflow in your entire body system. Breathing in these poisonous fumes can cause difficulty in breathing and slowed breathing rate. It can also cause shortness of breath. All these are not good especially if you have asthma and chest problems.
· Drowsiness and Confusion
Nail polish fumes are also known to affect your nervous system in many negative ways. It can cause drowsiness and balance e problems. This makes it difficult to operate machinery like driving. It can also cause headaches, seizures, hallucinations, euphoria, and even walking problems. In the extremes, it can also induce stupor and coma.
· Blood Circulation
The chemicals in the nail polish fumes can cause irregular heartbeat which could affect your functionality. It can also cause severe chest pains and if not well taken care of, this could lead to asthma and other terminal illnesses.
10 Ways to Get Rid of Nail Polish Remover Fumes
For as long as you love colored manicures, you can never get away from nail polish removers. You are stuck with it. However, the fumes that emanate as soon as you open that bottle can be intolerant. It doesn’t do good either to people with allergies. The good news is, there are a few tricks you can pull to dissolve the smell.
1. Coal or Sodium Bicarbonate
Both coal and sodium carbonate are known to contain elements that absorb and dissolve other smells. Perhaps it is because their natural smells are better and much overpowering. Place a plate of grounded coal or fresh sodium bicarbonate near you when you are doing your nails. This will help to dissolve the strong smell from your nail polish remover.
2. Essential Oils
Most essential oils have this sweet and calming scent. Perhaps that is why they are mostly used in aromatherapies and for calming baths. Pick the best essential oil of your choice and put a few drops in a large bowl of water. Stir the water to create that distinct scent that is strong enough to swallow any unpleasant smell including that of your nail polish remover.
3. Ground Coffee
There is nothing as holistically healing and calming as freshly ground coffee. You can use this method to kill two birds at a go. Prepare your favorite cup of coffee to drink while you are making your nails. Make another hot cup and place it near your workstation as you make your nails.
4. Lemon and Citrus Fruit
Lemon and citrus fruits in general always have this overpowering heavenly scent. Especially their peels. Peel a fresh healthy lemon and place it in a bowl of water to keep it fresh and to release more scent. Place the bowl in your workstation and proceed to do your nails. You can optionally use the peels in hot or cold water.
5. Open the Doors and Windows
Using nail polish removers in an open setting will help a lot to reduce the annoying smell. However, if you must use it indoors, always ensure that all your doors and windows are open. This will regulate fresh air flowing in and out of the room. If it makes it even better, you can use this method with either of the other methods like drinking a cup of freshly ground coffee.
6. Switch on the Fan
If you have a fan, it would be a good idea to switch it on. Especially if you can’t have the doors and windows open. Perhaps it is at night or during winter. Whatever the reason, switch on your fan and put it at high speed to regulate fresh air. This will fan away from the annoying fumes that are escaping from your nail polish remover and it gives you a fresh environment to work in.
7. Use Air Freshener
Air fresheners are both lifesavers and wonder-workers. Especially if you have to deal with a foul smell without any notice. Always read the label of your air freshener to ensure that you are not buying something that just covers up but something strong enough to completely eliminate any unwanted smell. Spray some of this freshener while you are during or after using the remover.
8. Close the Bottle
Always tightly close your nail polish remover when you are not using it. As soon as you have put enough on your cotton ball, tightly seal the bottle and proceed with your nails. This will prevent any further fumes from escaping. Besides that, sealing the bottle will keep important and active components from carelessly escaping.
9. Store Away the Removers
As soon as you are done doing your nails, tightly seal all the nail polish bottles. Store them away from the living areas and rooms that you are likely to use often. If you have a make-up refrigerator, that will even work better for you. It will not only lock away the smell but will also preserve and give longevity to your nail polish remover.
10. Use Tea Bags
Even though coffee works best compared to teabags, don’t hesitate to grab two or three tea bags if you have no fresh ground coffee in the house. Immerse the tea bags in a cup of hot water to release more scents that will dissolve the irritating nail polish remover odor. Stir the hot water every time the sweet tea bag scent seems to die.
15 Natural Nail Polish Removers
Just like the regular nail polish going all organic and toxic-free, nail polish removers have not been left behind. They have evolved too. This makes manicure a more safe and healthy space for your nails. Most popular nail polish removers have gone three-free