Methyl Methacrylate Used for Nail Modelling Poses Health Risk

by Darren

The BfR concludes that high concentrations of methyl methacrylate in products used for nail modelling may be harmful to health during their application onto the nail.

Professional nail studios, but also consumers themselves, use products for nail modelling which are based on different systems, namely self-hardening two component systems (powder / liquid systems) and light-curing gel systems.

For nail modelling, acrylate monomers such as ethyl methacrylate (EMA) or hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) are used from which synthetic resins are generated through polymerisation.

In rare cases, acrylate monomers may lead to contact dermatitis and skin-, mucosa- and eye irritation. Light-curing systems are characterised by better skin tolerance than powder / liquid systems.

A substance recently found in imported two-component systems is methyl methacrylate.

Methyl methacrylate as a monomer is known to have a strong sensitising effect and may cause contact allergies.

In addition, the substance may cause inflammation of the paronychial fold and detachment of the nail with the consequence that nails sometimes do not regrow.

After polymerisation, the substance no longer has this effect. However, it can still contain residual amounts of monomers, and these do have adverse health effects.

According to analyses conducted by surveillance authorities of the German federal states, some imported two-component powder / liquid systems used for nail modelling contain extremely high amounts of methyl methacrylate.

High concentrations of methyl methacrylate in products used for nail modelling may be harmful to health during their application onto the nail.

The BfR advises manufacturers of products for nail modelling, not to use methyl methacrylate in powder / liquid systems.

By professional use of nail modelling products which notably avoids skin contact and ensures systematic air exchange indoors, risks can be minimised. However, products with high methyl methacrylate contents should not be used.

Who are The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR)

They are the scientific agency of the Federal Republic of Germany which is responsible for preparing expert reports and opinions on food and feed safety as well as on the safety of substances and products. BfR reports to the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (BMELV).

Makeup Safety Source: Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR)