Nail-beauty firms begin to polish their image

Posted: 10/19/1993  browse the blog archive

Toluene, a chemical frequently used in the production of spray paint and gasoline, is the second most common ingredient in nail polish and is known to cause birth defects when inhaled by pregnant women. While Toluene is undeniably harmful, many nail polish manufacturers claim that the amount inhaled through nail polish is not harmful. Much of this debate is derived from the several lawsuits filed by As You Sow against leading nail manufacturers. Revlon, Christian Dior and Maybelline have settled the lawsuits agreeing to remove the toluene from their products, yet still denying its danger. As you Sow claims that the toluene levels of prosecuted products exceed the Proposition 65 limit, which sets standards for each toxic chemical known to cause cancer or birth defects.