News: Could a manicure give you cancer?
Updated: Jul. 16, 2019
If you get your nails done regularly, take note: Doctors are warning that the UV lights used to set polish
If you get your nails done regularly, take note: Doctors are warning that the UV lights used to set polish and gel nails may increase the risk of skin cancer.
Dr. Dr. Richard Langley, director of research at Dalhousie University’s dermatology division tells the CBC:
"The major concerns we have about UV nail lights or any form of artificial radiation is that you are exposing yourself, often for cosmetic reasons, to a known carcinogen."
A 2009 article published in the Archives of Dermatology suggests a link between skin cancer in two otherwise healthy middle-aged women and their exposure to UV light nail dryers. The study reports that the women had no personal or family history of skin cancer.
A Halifax-based nail technician tells the CBC that some dryers emit more UV light than others, and suggests that customers should do their homework to find out what type of equipment is being used in the nail salons they frequent.
Of course it makes sense to enquire about the safety and cleanliness of any salon. However, avoiding these UV light dryers seems like a no-brainer to me. Regular polish will air-dry with a little time an patience, so there would be no need to forgo manicures completely in this case.
Will you avoid the UV dryers in light of this information, or do you think that’s an over-reaction?
Related:
‘ News: Health Canada issues warning against hair-smoothing treatments
‘ 11 hints for stronger nails
‘ Are nail polish removers bad for your health?
