Once again, a chemical banned in Europe (due to possible health harms) is allowed to be used in the US. The chemical TPO, which is used in nail polish gels, is viewed as "carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction". In other words, could cause cancer and impact fertility.
Nail polish gel containing the chemical trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO) is applied to the nails to make nail polish stronger and harder, and give it a glossy sheen. The nails are then typically exposed to ultraviolet light to harden.
While TPO is unregulated in the US and therefore commonly used, customers can look for TPO-free products.
Excerpts from Newsweek: Gel Nail Polish on Sale in US Banned in Europe
A key component in gel nail polish has been banned in Europe over fears it may cause cancer or infertility—but it remains in use across the U.S. this week.
European officials designated trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO) as a product believed to be "carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction" (CMR)—and the use of CMR substances is prohibited by cosmetics legislation.
Europe's decision to ban the chemical for cosmetic use means that nail salon clients living within the bloc will no longer have their fingernails coated in potentially toxic TPO products.
However, their American counterparts may be unaware of the potential dangers and will still be offered unregulated TPO-containing gel polish in salons across the country. Some 100 million women used nail polish or nail care products in the U.S., according to 2020 figures published by Statista.
From Monday, the sale and the use of cosmetic products containing TPO is prohibited by the European Union (EU).
The ban applies to cosmetic products that were purchased before this date, meaning that professional manicurists are not allowed to use up their old stock, sell it, or give it away within the EU. They have been instructed to buy compliant products instead.
Gel polish, which often contains TPO, is usually set under a UV light and dries harder than traditional paint-on varnish, forming a thicker shell that is more durable and can remain for weeks on nails without chipping.