Nail salon dangers

If you have fake nails, you may get more than you bargained for. After an intense investigation, our 8 On Your Side team learned a toxin – wiped out of the beauty industry 25 years ago- is making a quiet comeback. Acrylic nails look great. But if your nail salon is using a cheap liquid adhesive known as MMA or Methyl methacrylate, you could have problems sooner or later.

The US Federal Drug Agency (FDA) issued its first warning for MMA back in the 70s. Side effects could include nail damage, even loss, rashes, nerve damage, breathing problems and in the long run damaged kidneys, livers and fetuses.

Oklahoma banned it in nail salons, but some technicians may be using MMA because it’s cheap, dries quickly, and makes a stronger acrylic nail.

If a salon is offering very inexpensive acrylic nails, technicians might be using the less expensive MMA.

MMA also has an overwhelming smell that can make your eyes water and give you a headache.

Also, MMA is a strong adhesive, so beware if your acrylic nails are extremely hard to take off.

Not every woman is allergic to MMA or will experience side effects. But here is more information about this toxin and what you need to know if you or someone you know wears acrylic nails.

Here are some symptoms of MMA exposure:

Allergic reactions usually take place where the product has been applied or where it has inadvertently come in contact with other skin surfaces, such as the face, eyelids and neck.

Fungal infections

Nail plate damage

Nail loss and deformation

Loss of sensation in the fingertips

Respiratory aliments like asthma

Nerve damage

In the long term: fetus, kidney and liver damage

Reasons MMA should not be used in salons

– MMA is too hard. The natural nail under MMA products can be damaged or even torn off by even a slight bump to the finger.

– Nail Damage. In order to make MMA stick, some technicians roughen the natural nail too much.

– FDA Warning. The FDA says MMA is “a poisonous and deleterious substance” and should not be used in artificial nail products.

Signs of a Safe Salon

When choosing a salon, consumers should look for:

– Licenses. Both the salon and each operator should have a license with a photo.

– Cleanliness.

– Disinfection procedures.

– Labeled containers. Make sure that operators are using substances that come from manufacturers’ labeled containers. This is not a guarantee of safety, however, since inspectors believe some salons may pour MMA-based substances into bottles.

– Small brushes. Artificial nail enhancement products should not come in contact with skin during application. A brush larger than your finger makes this difficult, if not impossible. Operators using MMA often use a very large brush.

Warning signs for consumers

– No licenses visibly posted.

– Low prices. Low prices can be an indicator that inexpensive MMA-based products are being used.

– Strong odour. MMA has a pungent chemical odour that can cause dizziness or lightheadedness. (Masks, however, are not necessarily an indicator of MMA use.)

– Dirty or unsanitary conditions.

– Large brushes. Brushes larger than your finger make it likely that the substances being used might come into contact with your skin. Operators using MMA often use a very large brush.

Alternatives to Acrylic Nails

Acrylic nails can, and should be, safe when properly applied and maintained. But there are alternatives for women who want to be absolutely sure of avoiding potentially dangerous MMA-based products:

– Light-cured gels. Light-cured gel products are applied with a small brush, then placed under an ultraviolet light in order for the product to harden. The gels are the consistency of honey, and either clear or coloured. There is no combining of products, so if a salon uses a mixture of liquid and powder, this is not a gel. Gels can be applied over the natural nail, over tips, or extended with a form.

– Wraps. Wrap products include silk, linen and fiberglass. Mesh is applied over the nail or tip, then a resin is brushed over the entire nail. An activator is sometimes used to speed up the set of the resin.

– Natural-nail manicures. Natural-nail cultivation products and procedures have become quite advanced. Various types of manicures can help develop stronger, healthier nails.

– 8 On Your Side Special Investigation: Nail Salon Dangers. Article written by Cindy Morrison