Are you planning to get a pacemaker or new teeth? Avoid gel nails. A substance called methacrylate, which is used, among other things, for gel nails, has been shown to pose significant health risks if you come into contact with this substance.
“Acrylate is not dangerous, but it is a substance that can cause contact allergies,” specialist physician Anna Venter wrote to Läget.
Why do people choose gel nails?
If you feel that your natural nails are too short, you can use the gel you apply to “lengthen” the length of the nail.
Gel nails last longer than regular nail polish and create a better foundation for more advanced designs and creative embellishments.
Although gel nails require more coats than regular nail polish, the polish dries faster when using a UV lamp.
The dangers of doing gel nails
Gel nails contain chemicals that are necessary for the above-mentioned reasons to work. These substances are more dangerous than you think.
According to a study published in the National Institute of Health, NIH, three researchers found a relationship between methacrylate, found in different types of glue, and allergies. The sensitivity can in turn lead to the future insertion of a prosthesis, dental care, or the inability to insert a pacemaker.
methacrylate
Methacrylate is a substance consisting of acids and salts. This substance is found in plastics, acrylics, and in adhesives used in medical contexts. For example, the glue is used for dental care, hip prosthetics, and diabetes aids such as pumps and sensors. The substance can also be found in pacemakers, eyelash glue, and nail glue.
Methacrylate is what binds the gel applied to the natural nail and makes it adhere better. Because of methacrylate a UV lamp is used when applying gel nails. UV light bonds the acrylate, improving and extending the quality.
Acrylate is not dangerous but it is a substance that can cause contact allergies
In the study, only 2.6% of patients interacted with the substance and had an allergic reaction. In an email to Läget, specialist physician Anna Winter wrote:
“Acrylate is not dangerous, but it is a substance that can cause contact allergies.”
It is not a guarantee that you will suffer an allergic reaction to acrylate, but the risk increases if you come into direct contact with the material and develop a contact allergy. Only then does it become a potential danger.
If you have an allergic reaction, it manifests itself in the form of an immune reaction. The body's immune system attacks anything that tries to harm the body. Symptoms may occur several days after contact but appear as either swelling, itching, or fluid-filled blisters.
To avoid the risk of developing this allergy, you can ask your nail therapist if there is methacrylate in any of the salon products. Go to a serious salon where the knowledge is there. Or, if possible – protect the skin from direct contact with plastic gloves or the like.
Work Environment Agency
According to the requirements of the Swedish Work Environment Authority, people who work professionally with these materials must have training, serviceability certificates and medical examinations.
However, as a layman, you can buy household glue that contains acrylate, and then the three usage requirements are missing.
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