A Danger at Your Fingertips?

San Francisco's As You Sow sued over 40 nail polish manufacturers in April for failing to warn consumers of the hazardous side effects from the toxic chemical toluene. The defendants claim the substance is harmless in tiny amounts and does not warrant a warning label. Toluene was rated the 37th most toxic chemical by the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry in 1992. As You Sow strives to "encourage if not enforce reformulation of nail polishes that contain toluene," said Clifford Chanler, attorney.