The truth is, while it’s very rare, you can die from sniffing nail polish or nail polish remover and it has happened many times in the past. Plus, even if you don’t die, there can still be many permanent effects as a result of huffing these types of products.
Full Answer
What are the dangers of nail polish remover?
One of the chemicals used frequently is nail polish remover, and in a poorly ventilated salon, you may find yourself inhaling more of its fumes than you should. The acetone in nail polish removers can especially be dangerous to one's health, as the chemicals in it can damage your kidneys, brain, and nervous system, writes Medical News Today.
Are nail polish Fumes Bad for your brain?
Nearly all the popular brands of nail polishes including Revlon and OPI contain organic solvents and methacrylates. The March 2002 issue of Neuropsychiatry, Neuropsychology, & Behavioral Neurology summarizes a study by Gina LaoSasso, Ph.D et.al, that shows prolonged exposure to nail polish fumes can affect the way your brain works.
Can you get drunk from smelling nail polish?
Some people sniff nail polish on purpose to get intoxicated (drunk) by the fumes. Over time these people, as well as those working in poorly ventilated nail salons, can develop a condition known as "painter syndrome."
Is nail polish sniffing a form of abuse?
Inhalation abuse, including nail polish sniffing, is probably more common amongst teenagers for a number of different reasons, which when combined create a situation where they are more likely to make poor decisions. Reason #1
What to do if you abuse an inhalant?
But if the person who abused the inhalant is feeling symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, trouble breathing, loss of coordination, vision problems, nausea or any other symptoms that seem serious or out of the ordinary, then you should probably call 911 immediately instead of Poison Control.
Can you die from nail polish?
The truth is, while it’s very rare, you can die from sni ffing nail polish or nail polish remove r and it has happened many times in the past. Plus, even if you don’t die, there can still be many permanent effects as a result of huffing these types of products. So here’s the truth about this dangerous trend that continues to claim teenage victims every year.
How many nail salon technicians were tested?
The researchers tested 33 nail-salon technicians compared to the same number of demographically similar control subjects (in other words, women who had no exposure to nail polish or other toxic chemicals.) Both groups were given a series of psychologic, neuropsychologic, and neurosensory tests.
Is nail technician smell worse than control?
The nail technicians’ sense of smell was statistically worse than the control group’s.
Can inhalant abuse cause death?
According to this article about huffing. “Death from inhalant abuse can occur after a single use or after prolonged use. Sudden sniffing death (SSD) may result within minutes of inhalant abuse from irregular heart rhythm leading to heart failure.”.
Does Revlon nail polish contain methacrylates?
Nearly all the popular brands of nail polishes including Revlon and OPI contain organic solvents and methacrylates. The March 2002 issue of Neuropsychiatry, Neuropsychology, & Behavioral Neurology summarizes a study by Gina LaoSasso, Ph.D et.al, that shows prolonged exposure to nail polish fumes can affect the way your brain works.
Why do people sniff nail polish?
However, always seek immediate emergency medical care. Some people sniff nail polish on purpose to get intoxicated (drunk) by the fumes. Over time these people, as well as those working in poorly ventilated nail salons, can develop a condition known as "painter syndrome.".
What is the number to call for poisoning?
If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call the local emergency number (such as 911), or the local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.
How to contact poison center?
Your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.
Can nail polish poisoning cause death?
Sudden death is possible in some nail polish poisoning cases.
What is the solvent in nail polish remover?
The solvent in nail polish remover is acetone (never heard of the other components mention by others being used). Acute Effects: Breathing moderate levels of acetone for short periods of time can cause headaches, light-headedness, and confusion with an increase in pulse rate.
What solvent is used to make nail polish?
Since they are volatile, they quickly dry. Usually the solvent of choice is butyl acetate or ethyl acetate. If your unfamiliar with either, just think of them as if you put ethanol and acetic acid (vinegar) together.
What are nail polishes made of?
But, since were on the topic, I’ll talk a little about the chemistry of what nail polishes are composed of. Nail polishes are made of as follows: 1. A polymer that is used to make the base of nail polish once it solidifies. This is a large compound and thus will not vaporize at room temperature.
How long does it take for acetone to leave the body?
The higher the level of acetone and the longer that you are exposed will cause acetone to leave your body more slowly, but almost all the acetone will leave your body within 3 days after your exposure stops.
What happens if you swallow acetone?
Swallowing very high levels of acetone can result in unconsciousness and damage to the skin in the mouth. Symptoms following acute acetone ingestion include nausea, vomiting, gastric hemorrhage, sedation, respiratory depression, ataxia, and paresthesia.
Can nail polish remover cause headaches?
You will be just fine. If you had inhaled too much you would have experienced symptoms such as headache , dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, nausea, and even unconsciousness. Most nail polish remover is composed of the solvent acetone. That's the very distinct smell it has, acetone.
Is butyl acetate toxic?
An examination of recent safety data sheets regarding ethyl acetate reveal that they are generally not toxic, carcinogenic, or lethal at low concentrations.
Why is acetone poisoning dangerous?
Causes of acetone poisoning. Every day, your body breaks down fats into organic molecules called ketones. Acetone is one of three types of ketone bodies. Your liver makes ketones, and your body can use them for fuel. However, accumulation of ketones in the body can be dangerous. Acetone poisoning can occur when there’s an abnormally high amount ...
How to prevent acetone exposure?
You can prevent acetone exposure by taking basic precautions: Keep spaces well ventilated when using products with acetone. Wear a face mask if you’re using products with acetone and the ventilation is poor. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from acetone.
Can you get acetone poisoning from high ketones?
However, accumulation of ketones in the body can be dangerous. Acetone poisoning can occur when there’s an abnormally high amount of ketones. This is a condition known as ketoacidosis. If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you can develop in ketoacidosis if you don’t manage your glucose levels properly.
Can you get acetone poisoning?
Acetone poisoning is rare. Your body is capable of breaking down large amounts of acetone naturally. For overexposure to occur, you must produce, inhale, or ingest very large amounts within a short period of time. Mild acetone poisoning symptoms include:
