U.S. customers concerned European Union bans gel polish chemical; metro nail salons respond

A recent ban in the European Union on a key ingredient trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO) used in gel nail polish, has some in the United States concerned.  

Here is what to know about gel nail polish: 

What is gel nail polish?  

Gel is a type of polish known to have a long-lasting shine and also saves on drying time.  An LED lamp is used to cure the gel onto your nails.

What is TPO? 

PAINT nail technician Alexis Lopez said it is a photo initiator when nails are placed into the lamp. 

Lopez said it starts the reaction of the product hardening on the nail.  

It also contributes to the glossiness effect and some of the non-yellowing.  

What are some of the concerns using gel nail polish?  

In a CBS news report, Broward Health Dermatologist Dr. Jerome Obed said, “It affects the endocrine system. It can alter levels of various hormones from things that can cause endometriosis in a woman and infertility.” 

Why is the Metro Salon PAINT saying it is safe?  

1. The testing done to ban the ingredient was done on an animal.  
2. The ingredient was consumed by the animal orally.  
3. It is placed on the nail and in a much smaller quantity.