You can probably smell your way to the nearest nail salon. That's most likely due to the acrylics that make up fake nails and the toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalates (DBP) in nail polish, all
declared by the state of California to be possible carcinogens and/or harmful to human reproduction and development. The European Union banned DBP in cosmetics four years ago, but the FDA still doesn't regulate most beauty products. Meanwhile, many nail salon employees have blamed respiratory irritation and other health problems on chronic exposure to these potentially dangerous chemicals.
When looking for a less-toxic salon, know what questions to ask. Look for places that don't even offer acrylic nails and ask about their sterilization techniques.
Autoclaving, which relies on heat and pressure, is better than harsh chemicals that eventually go down the drain. The only problem is that most of these places are high-end spas and resorts, not dedicated nail salons. Though not truly "green" like some salons available in L.A. and San Fransisco, here are a couple of okay places to get your nails done in the San Diego area, where manicures start at $45, pedicures at $75:
In a pinch, use your nose. The less smelly the salon, the more likely they at least have good ventilation, which reduces your exposure. You can also buy your own toluene/formaldehyde/DBP-free nail polish from companies like
Nubar. And always check the health risks associated with any brand of beauty product and its ingredients at the
Cosmetic Safety Database.
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