Recently, the Shanghai Drug Administration released the "2020 First Issue Cosmetic Supervision Sampling Quality Announcement." Among the products tested, a peelable nail polish from Miniso was found to contain trichloromethane at 589.449 micrograms per gram—over 1,400 times the national standard limit.After this test, MINISO requested a retest, but the product was still deemed non-compliant. Upon hearing this news, many netizens expressed concern, stating that trichloromethane is a carcinogen and that such a high level of contamination means nail polish should no longer be used, as it could cause cancer.
So, is nail polish truly carcinogenic? Should we stop using it altogether?
First, let's examine the trichloromethane causing this panic.
Trichloromethane is a colorless, transparent liquid with a distinctive odor and high volatility. It is classified as a suspected carcinogen. Inhaling large amounts can cause acute poisoning, damaging internal organs.Initial symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and hot, clammy skin. After some time, mental confusion, shallow breathing, and unconsciousness may occur. Additionally, trichloromethane is photosensitive; when exposed to light, it readily reacts with oxygen in the air, gradually decomposing into carbonylic chloride and hydrogen chloride—both highly toxic compounds.
In summary, excessive exposure to trichloromethane poses significant health risks, necessitating strict control of its concentration in human environments. On October 27, 2017, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization classified trichloromethane as a Group 2B carcinogen in its list of known carcinogens.On July 23, 2019, trichloromethane was included in the first batch of the List of Toxic and Hazardous Water Pollutants. Relevant health standards stipulate that the maximum permissible exposure concentration of trichloromethane in enclosed spaces is 20 milligrams per cubic meter, with concentrations exceeding this threshold potentially causing poisoning.
However, dosage is the key determinant of a substance's toxicity. Low concentrations of trichloromethane can be formulated into disinfectants. Therefore, as long as the concentration of trichloromethane in nail polish does not exceed the specified limit, it complies with national standards and remains safe for use.
To achieve quick-drying effects, some nail polishes contain high levels of organic solvents such as acetone, ethyl acetate, and trichloromethane. These solvents are highly volatile, producing pungent odors that can cause dizziness and strongly irritate mucous membranes and the nervous system.Therefore, nail polishes with strong odors that cause dizziness should be avoided whenever possible.
Finally, it's important to note that even nail polishes with simpler ingredients and lower toxicity should not be applied daily. Continuous use can hinder the nails' natural "breathing," damaging the keratin cells and causing nails to become increasingly thin and prone to breakage.Additionally, whether using water-based or oil-based nail polish, always remove it with nail polish remover afterward to prevent damage. After cleaning off the polish, wait at least 2 to 3 weeks before reapplying. (Source: Science Popularization China)