{"id":891,"date":"2024-01-07T16:44:43","date_gmt":"2024-01-07T16:44:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/?p=891"},"modified":"2024-01-07T16:54:55","modified_gmt":"2024-01-07T16:54:55","slug":"can-nail-polish-remover-kill-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/can-nail-polish-remover-kill-you\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Nail Polish Remover Kill You?"},"content":{"rendered":"
Nail polish remover contains chemicals like acetone, ethyl acetate, and butyl acetate which can be toxic if ingested or inhaled in large quantities. However, occasional exposure to small amounts during nail care is unlikely to cause serious harm.<\/p>\n
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: While swallowing or inhaling large amounts of nail polish remover can kill you due to its ingredient acetone being toxic, using it as directed to remove nail polish is generally considered safe<\/b>.<\/p>\nWhat’s in Nail Polish Remover<\/h2>\n
Acetone<\/h3>\n
Acetone is the primary solvent used in most nail polish removers. It is an effective solvent that breaks down the nail polish so it can be easily wiped off. Acetone works by dissolving the ingredients that make up nail lacquer, including the pigments, resins, and plasticizers.<\/p>\n
It is able to break the bonds that hold the polish together on the nail surface.<\/p>\n
Acetone is a harsh chemical that can dry out the nail and skin if used excessively. Most nail polish removers contain between 50-100% acetone. The higher the acetone concentration, the faster it removes polish but it can also cause more drying and irritation.<\/p>\n
Using acetone-based removers too often can lead to brittle, peeling nails and dry, cracked skin around the cuticles. It’s best to use them in moderation.<\/p>\n
Some nail polish removers use other solvents instead of or in addition to acetone:<\/p>\n
These alternatives dissolve nail polish without completely dehydrating the nails and surrounding skin like acetone can. Non-acetone removers are gentler options but may require more time and effort to remove darker polishes.<\/p>\n
Many brands now offer acetone-free options formulated with hydrating oils and moisturizers.<\/p>\n
Ingesting nail polish remover can be extremely hazardous due to its high alcohol content. Most nail polish removers contain 60-90% isopropyl alcohol which can rapidly lead to alcohol poisoning if consumed (1, 2).<\/p>\n
According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC), there were over 16,000 cases of isopropanol exposure reported in 2020, with the majority involving accidental ingestion by children (3).<\/p>\n
Consuming even small volumes of nail polish remover may overwhelm the body’s ability to metabolize the alcohol, leading to dangerously high blood alcohol levels. This can depress vital functions like breathing and heart rate, possibly progressing to coma or death if untreated (4).<\/p>\n
Emergency medical care is essential to stabilize someone with alcohol poisoning from nail polish remover before permanent organ damage occurs.<\/p>\n
Besides alcohol toxicity, ingesting solvents like nail polish remover can severely impact liver function. Studies show metabolites from solvents accumulate in liver cells, triggering widespread inflammation and cell death (5).<\/p>\n
This acute liver damage may progress to chronic disease or liver failure in some cases.<\/p>\n
Kidneys can also be affected since they receive high levels of solvent metabolites filtered from the bloodstream. Research indicates solvents initiate free radical production in the kidneys, disturbing normal oxidation states in cells (6).<\/p>\n
If exposure continues over months or years, this oxidative stress can manifest as kidney disease, proteinuria, or impaired excretion capacity.<\/p>\n
Thus the liver and kidneys seem especially vulnerable to injury following nail polish remover ingestion. These organs play indispensable roles in eliminating toxins and maintaining homeostasis, so damage to them threatens basic bodily functions.<\/p>\n