Article publication date
January 2023
Authored by
Zhivagui et al
Summary
This in-vitro study examined the DNA damage in cells exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from nail polish dryers. The study exposed 10 mouse and 13 human cell cultures to UVR for 20 minutes either twice in one day or once a day for three days. Eight human and five mouse cells cultures that were unexposed and used as controls. The authors reported statistically significant DNA damage in both the exposed human and mouse cells. The study also reported that for all cell types a single 20-minute exposure resulted in 20–30% cell death, while three consecutive 20-minute exposures caused cell death in the range of 65-70%. The authors concluded that UVR emitted by UV-nail polish dryers may increase the risk of skin cancers of the hand.
Link to
DNA damage and somatic mutations in mammalian cells after irradiation with a nail polish dryer
Published in
Nature Communications
Commentary by ARPANSA
The study exposed the cells to UVR for over 20 minutes which is much longer than would be required to dry nail polish (e.g. usually 2-3 minutes). This is also longer that than the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommendation of no more than 10 minutes per hand. Therefore, given the UVR exposure durations used in the study and that used in drying nail polish, there should not be any health concern for the later. However, if people are still concerned about the potential health risks and prefer to minimise their UVR exposure, they can wear fingerless gloves and/or apply sunscreen to protect their hands from the UVR during the drying process.
There is high quality epidemiological evidence for the increased risk of skin cancer from the use of tanning beds (Gordon et al, 2008, 2020). However, this level of evidence is not present for the risk of using UVR nail polish drying devices, and therefore, the findings of this in-vitro study may not be directly transferable to humans. Epidemiological research is therefore needed to better understand the potential health risks of these devices.
Skin cancer accounts for the largest number of cancers diagnosed in Australia each year (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2016). The major cause of skin cancer is due to the UVR exposure from the sun. However, UVR induced skin cancer is almost entirely preventable. The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency recommends that sun protection measures (e.g., clothing and sunglasses, shade and sunscreen) should be used, wherever applicable. For more information see the ARPANSA factsheet, Sun exposure and health. The SunSmart app is also a great tool that can be used to inform people of the UV level outside a recommend the appropriate sun protective measures.
