Chemicals in Nail Products

DTSC is concerned about the potential for adverse impacts from exposure to chemicals in nail products. DTSC has evaluated several Candidate Chemicals in these products, including toluene, methyl methacrylate, triphenyl phosphate, N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine, acrylic acid, and N-methyl pyrrolidone. Some of these chemicals are associated with human health hazards including respiratory effects, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and dermal effects.

DTSC is requesting additional information from stakeholders about potentially harmful chemicals in nail products including:

• Concentrations of specific chemicals found in nail products;
• The difference between a contaminant versus a residual including concentrations;
• Known alternatives to Candidate Chemicals found in nail products;
• Exposure studies for Candidate Chemicals in indoor air in nail salons; and
• Current industry efforts to remove Candidate Chemicals from nail products.

Providing Input:

To view the background document and submit comments, please visit the CalSAFER website. The comment period closes on August 16 2022 at 11:59 p.m. 

We also hosted a two-day workshop to receive public input. The workshop was held fully online via webcast on July 27 2022 starting at 9:00 am Pacific Standard Time. 

• Meeting agenda
• Presentation on Chemicals in Nail Products Background Document Screening Results
• Presentation on Preliminary Findings from DTSC’s Information Call-In
• Presentation on Preliminary Findings from DTSC’s Analytical Laboratory Study
• Workshop Recording