an affiliation of Nail Technicians in NZ
Dangers of MMA found in Nail Bars
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Toxic drug found in NZ nail bars
Mar 17, 2006 8:01 PM
A lethal nail acrylic which is banned overseas has been found in New Zealand salons.
MMA is an aggressive chemical which can cause lung, liver and kidney malfunctions.
On Friday, health authorities made the decision to ban the use of it here.
"You can't be too sure these days exactly what toxic chemicals are being applied to womens nails," says nail technician Trish Nicholls.
Authorities have confirmed a cheap, nasty chemical called methylmethacrylate, better known as MMA, is being used in New Zealand salons to make acrylic nails.
MMA's been banned in the US for several years, and on Friday the Environmental Risk Management Authority made it illegal to use in New Zealand nail bars.
MMA releases toxic fumes which can cause lung, liver and kidney malfunctions, skin allergies and can damage the unborn foetuses.
Trish Nicholls says the chemical also damages the wearer's natural nails.
"It damages the nail and where the nail is actually formed in the matrix, so it has lot of ongoing issues," she says.
Most reputable salons use a safe product called EMA, which costs about $200 per litre.
MMA is only $20 per litre, so the nail bars that use it can charge much less.
Garth Wylie of the Cosmetic Toiletry and Fragrances Association, says the use of MMA is predominantly Asian-influenced.
"They are products which are imported from Asia so it would be reasonable to assume there would be an Asian influence in the premises."
Nail technicians say the main telltale sign of MMA is the strong, pungent smell.
The operator will generally wear a mask and apply it with a very thick brush.
But it's not just the customers affected by the chemical - some nail bar employees have complained.
"The complaints that we've had do suggest the workers themselves are concerned and so we need to find out if there's some substance to they're concern," says Mike Tosman of the Labour Department.
The new law will come into effect on July 1 2006.
Nail services is not simply a beautification process, it involves the use of chemicals which could cause you harm if not properly applied Click here to find out why.
