THE DIRT
It is reported that most brands of conventional nail polish contain toluene and formaldehyde. Many still contain Dibutyl Phthalate, despite this synthetic chemical being banned from all cosmetic products in the European Union in 2004.

Toluene: Toluene is a human reproductive and developmental toxin. It may affect the nervous system with symptoms like tiredness, confusion, weakness, drunken-type actions, and memory loss. It is thought to cause liver damage and skin irritation. In high levels it may affect the kidneys. Toluene has been linked to birth defects in laboratory animals.
 
Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is a human carcinogen. The immediate effects of inhaling the fumes are watery eyes, headache, burning in the throat, and labored breathing.
 
Dibutyl Phthalate: Used to soften plastic, phthalates are known to disrupt the endocrine system due to their ability to mimic oestrogen.  Studies have linked phthalates to early puberty in girls and low sperm counts in men. 
 
Acetone:  A solvent used in nail polish remover, can cause nose, throat and eye irritation, headaches, confusion, nausea, vomiting and in cases of heavy exposure, unconsciousness.

Ethyl methacrylate: Used in artificial nails this synthetic chemical can cause eye and skin irritation, vapours may cause dizziness and/or suffocation.

G SPOT
My Dad always hated it when I would use nail polish as a youngster - claiming that the smell was so toxic it permeated the entire house!! Now many years later I agree!

We had some great feedback regarding new developments in plastic recycling from a CleanLife reader following last weeks email tip. Visit our BLOG to find out how you can recycle more plastics.

COME CLEAN
If you can't bare the thought of bare nails try some of these fantastic non-toxic alternatives........

Get Great Skin (and Nails!) Naturally at Skin Organics.  Stockists of Sante and Logona natural cosmetics and nail polishes, organic and natural skincare, babycare and nappy products.  Secure online ordering and payment.  FREE Shipping on all Sante and Logona products!

Suncoat Water-Based Nail Polish is an innovative product that is long-lasting and quick-drying. All chemical solvents are replaced by water, so the major ingredient is water, not chemical solvents! When Suncoat Water-Based Nail Polish is being applied, only water evaporates into the air, not toxic chemical fumes. As well, Suncoat Water-Based Nail Polish does not contain any toluene, formaldehyde, parabens or FD & C Dyes. Only natural earth pigments are used to colour Suncoat Water-Based Nail Polish.

Honeybee Gardens Nail Polish - it's water-based, odour-free and has no formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalates or FD& C colours. Comes in 18 great long-wearing colours.  Honeybee Gardens are offering 10% discount on all Honeybee Gardens products, valid until 1 May 2007 for CleanLife subscribers only.  Mention this discount in the comments section when ordering online.

Sante Nail Varnish does not contain Formaldehyde, Rosins, Phthalates, Toluene or Parabens. All Sante Nail Polishes are also free from preservatives and contain only natural colours. Sante also offer a Certified Natural Nail Polish remover that is made with natural organically grown orange oil and is free from acetate. Visit the JOI website to view the range of colours and your local stockist in WA.