Colorant (Nails Magazine, 2011a) Colors that are dissolved into liquid monomer or solvents are called dyes . Colorants that do not dissolve are called pigments . Pigments are usually added to the powder. Manufacturers add pigments, at usually less than 2 percent concentration, to give techs a wide array of different colored acrylic powders. One example of a pigment, titanium dioxide (TiO2), allows the product to come in a variety of whites. Over exposure to titanium dioxide may cause lung fibrosis and may be an occupational carcinogen (OSHA, 2017). Glitter (Nails Magazine, 2011a) Manufacturers may use tiny pieces of metal-coated plastic to create the sparkle we call “glitter,” or they may choose to use thin sheets of certain minerals, such as mica. “These materials refract the light just as a prism or a dew drop,” says Schoon. Techs are advised not to add their own glitter to acrylic powder. Less is more when it comes to glitter, says Schoon. Any bit of added material used to achieve the look of glitter reduces the strength of the acrylic powder. For best results, nail techs should leave the chemistry of mixing product to the manufacturers. Acetone This chemical is used to remove the acrylic dipped nail by soaking or wrapping the nail in a cotton ball saturated with acetone. Overexposure may cause headache; dizziness; irritation to skin, eyes and throat; and central nervous system depression (OSHA, 2017). to methacrylates. No regulation specifically prohibits the use of methyl methacrylate monomer in cosmetic products. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel determined in 2002 that ethyl methacrylate is safe when the application is accompanied by directions to avoid skin contact because of its sensitizing potential – that is, the possibility that a person might be allergic to it (FDA, 2016). Methyl methacrylate monomer is still used occasionally in some artificial nail products, and ethyl methacrylate monomer is used occasionally in acrylic nails. Both are sometimes found in other nail products, such as nail polishes. It is important to avoid contact with the skin in order to minimize the chance of an allergic reaction. Methacrylic acid in nail primers (FDA, 2016) Despite the similar names, methacrylic acid is different from methacrylate monomers. It also is used differently and raises different safety concerns. Methacrylic acid (MAA) has been used in nail primers to help acrylic nails adhere to the nail surfaces. Nail primers that contain MAA are most commonly distributed through wholesale suppliers to nail salons and retail beauty supply stores, and are usually labeled “for professional use only.” However, some of these retail stores sell to both professionals and consumers. Since these products have been involved in poisoning and injury, The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission requires child-resistant packaging for certain household products, including nail primers containing MAA. OSHA (2017) provides the following information on MMA ● Liquid MMA monomer may cause overexposed people to develop an allergic reaction, usually after repeated exposure. Continued exposure often results in a worsening of symptoms for individuals who have developed sensitivities to products containing this monomer. ● Testing on animals that were exposed to high concentrations of liquid MMA monomer vapors suggests that excessive inhalation may cause damage to the respiratory system and the liver. ● In the early 1970s, the FDA received a number of personal injury complaints associated with the use of fingernail extenders containing liquid MMA monomer. ● At least 30 U.S. states have restricted or banned the use of liquid MMA monomer.
instant adhesive products. Acrylic products harden when the monomer interacts chemically with the powders. This makes resins a “quick and easy way to apply product to the natural nail. To make cyanoacrylate easier to handle, it is infused with other ingredients to make it more viscous and move like a gel.” Cyanoacrylate is used “in dipping systems in tandem with an acrylic powder to add more strength and thickness to the enhancement for shaping. Soaking in acetone will break down dried cyanoacrylate.” Overexposure may cause irritation to eyes, mucous membranes The activator, benzoyl peroxide, acts like a starting gunshot in a race, says industry chemist Doug Schoon. As soon as the acrylic liquid touches the acrylic powder, the catalyst in the liquid activates the initiator and a chemical reaction begins the bonding and hardening process used to create acrylic enhancements. When the liquid touches the acrylic powder, it doesn’t “melt” the powder. Instead, the liquid, which has adhesion properties, bonds all the little “droplets,” or pieces of powder, together to create the nail. Over exposure may cause irritation to eyes, skin, nose, mouth, throat and lungs, as well as a skin rash (OSHA, 2017). and skin, as well as skin sensitization (OSHA). Activators or inhibitors (Nails Magazine, 2011a) The FDA The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates some nail products and devices used to dry, or “cure,” artificial nails or gel nail polish, such as electronic products that emit radiation (FDA, 2016). It is important to heed the regulations and warnings listed on these products. Cosmetic ingredients (except most color additives) and products, including nail products, do not need FDA approval before they go on the market. Cosmetic nail products are required to be safe when used for their intended purpose and must include any instructions or warnings needed for safe application and removal. Warnings include: ● Nail products can easily catch fire and should not be exposed to flames or other heat sources such as candles, curling irons, blow dryers, lamps, wax heaters or cigarettes. ● Some products may injure eyes, so avoid exposure and become familiar with instructions on first aid. ● Nail products should only be used in areas with good ventilation and air circulation. ● Ingredients can be harmful if swallowed and should never be consumed. Ingredients should be kept away from pets. (FDA, 2016) Ingredients are listed on the packaging in order of decreasing amounts. These should be reviewed in order to determine ingredients to avoid based on allergies or sensitivities of the client or provider. For example, some nail hardeners and nail polishes may contain formaldehyde, which can cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction (FDA, 2016). Acrylic may cause allergic reactions. FDA’s nail care products webpage includes the following information (FDA, 2016): Methacyrylate monomers in artificial nails (“acrylics”) Artificial nails are composed primarily of acrylic polymers and are made when acrylic monomers, such as ethyl methacrylate monomer, react with acrylic polymers, such as polymethylmethacrylate. When the reaction is complete, traces of the monomer are likely to remain in the polymer. For example, traces of methacrylate monomers remain after artificial nails are formed. The polymers themselves are typically quite safe, but traces of the reactive monomers could result in an adverse reaction – such as redness, swelling and pain in the nail bed – among those who have become sensitive (allergic)
EliteLearning.com/Cosmetology
Book Code: NTNC0824
Page 28
Powered by FlippingBook