The health effects of TPO and DMTA nail polish: genetic mutations, miscarriages, kidney damage, and more

Since last Monday, the European Union has banned the use of products containing diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO) among their ingredients due to its negative health effects. It's unusual to note that until then, TPO had been one of the main ingredients in nail polishes and gels found in many nail salons in Spain. It's also worth noting that it has also banned the ingredient DMTA (Dimethyl-p-toluidine), due to the same effects.

Although years ago, this ingredient wasn't considered to have a negative impact when used under the UV heat of semi-permanent manicures, new research has found sufficient evidence to classify it as a "carcinogen (cancer-causing) , mutagen (DNA-altering) , or reproductive toxicant (RRC)." Therefore, both aesthetic and beauty professionals and individuals who own this type of product should stop using it.

What is TPO and what damage does it cause to health?

Diphenylphosphine oxide , or TPO, is a chemical that acts as a photoinitiator. Its function is to harden nail polishes once exposed to UV or LED light . This results in manicures lasting longer without damage, and is even difficult to remove without the necessary tools and products. Similar to DMTA (Dimethyl-p-toluidine) , which acts as a fixing adhesive.

The product recall was not due to an imminent risk, but rather to cumulative use that could lead to future risks that the European Union has sought to prevent . Among these consequences is significant evidence of negative health effects .

Excessive use could alter the chromosome number of cells or even their structure, increasing the risk of carcinogens. Furthermore, fertility could also be affected, resulting in miscarriages, malformations, testicular atrophy, menstrual disorders, or even infertility. Furthermore, animal research has also shown liver and thyroid damage linked to TPO, and bladder and kidney damage linked to DMTA.

Recommended and safe ingredients as alternatives

The ban is based on a preventative measure, as safer alternatives exist. For example, the most commonly used substitutes are TPO-L (ethyl trimethylbenzoyl phenylphosphinate), BAPO (bis-trimethylbenzoyl phenylphosphine oxide), and hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone , which also act as photoinitiators and have the same final result.