Many pregnant women sometimes relate pregnancy and nail polish. They wonder whether or not using nail polish during pregnancy is safe. If you have the same question, you better read this carefully. It is okay to use nail polish during pregnancy as long as you use it appropriately. It means that you use the nail polish now and remove it the other day. There is nothing to worry about. However, it will be a problem when you use the nail polish regularly. What make it harmful are the chemical substances of the polish which are known as formaldehyde and toluene.
Both formaldehyde and toluene are two common chemicals used in nail polish. The first mentioned, formaldehyde, is usually used as a hardener. This chemical can be harmful when it is breathed. It may irritate your nose, throat, lungs and eyes. Moreover, it is believed that formaldehyde may trigger cancer if you are highly exposed by this chemical. Nail polish effect during pregnancy will be greater when you are exposed by formaldehyde regularly. However, there is no case of affected baby due to formaldehyde substance in nail polish. The formaldehyde in nail polish is relatively low, so it is quite safe.
The other harmful chemical to lead the controversy of pregnancy and nail polish is toluene. Toluene is usually used to give smooth glide to the nail polish. Similar to formaldehyde, toluene may also cause irritation of your nose, eyes, throat and lungs when breathed. Toluene is more harmful than formaldehyde, especially for pregnant women. It may cause birth defects of an unborn baby. Therefore, pregnant mother should avoid high exposure of toluene. To reduce the effect of toluene exposure, you may choose nail polish that is free from this chemical. Or else, you can use it only once a week.
How about Pregnancy and Nail Polish Remover?
Some of you may also relate pregnancy and nail polish remover. Nail polish remover, or commonly known as acetone, is safe for you even though you are pregnant. It contains acetone, the chemical which is harmless for us. Acetone does not give any bad effects although in high exposure. It is quite safe for your baby and will not cause birth defects. If you cannot convince yourself to use nail polish remover while pregnant, you better choose one which is free from acetone. However, always remember to wash your hand after removing the nail polish.
Actually, there is an effective way to reduce formaldehyde and toluene exposure while pregnant. When you are going to apply the polish, you better choose a well-ventilated room. It prevents you from breathing the chemicals. Applying one coat is also helpful to reduce the chemicals exposure. When you want to remove the nail polish, do the same things as you apply it! Do not forget to wash your hands thoroughly after removing the polish. In short, even though there is no reported case related to pregnancy and nail polish, it will be much better to do prevention.
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