Anvisa prohibits substances used in gel nails: what are the risks?

Tests with this substance brought worrying results in relation to the fertility of rats. Research still in progress associates the product with fertility problems and potential damage to reproductive organs: results indicated complete infertility in female rats and effects such as reduced testicular size and sperm depletion in males.

TPO is a chemical used in gel polishes. An ingredient that reacts to LED/UV light to solidify the gel, it is used in artificial nail products in concentrations of up to 5% and offers durability and shine to the final result.

It is applied to products for professional use, which react with light to dry and create a layer that shields the enamel..

It is important to emphasize that not all gel polishes contain the substance. This is the case with top coats, which often use the word “gel” in their commercial names.

TPO is also used in the dental industry as a photoinitiator in fillings and dental resins. The substance may be present in other cosmetics, such as makeup (lipsticks, glosses and eyelash glue, for example). It is also applied in industry in the composition of paints, varnishes, adhesives, sealants, fillers and plasticizers. Anvisa’s ban only applies to cosmetic products.

DMPT is related to the risk of cancer. “In drying procedures for artificial nails or gel polish, which use ultraviolet (UV) or LED light to harden the product, toxic vapors may be released”, says Sandra Sousa, president of the Regional Chemistry Council of the 18th Region/Piauí. According to her, when these vapors are inhaled or absorbed through the skin, they can cause damage to the DNA of cells — and that is where the risk of cancer lies.