Nail polish chemical could seep into your body, potentially cause weight gain


A study from October is getting a lot of headlines and making some people question their nail polish.

The joint study from Duke University and Environmental Working Group says a chemical used in many nail polishes known as TPHP can leak through the skin and into the wearer's bloodstream.

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TPHP is often found in plastics and flame retardants, and nail polish-makers add the chemical to boost durability and flexibilty.

The study's 26 participants showed a 700 percent increase, on average, in the metabolized form of TPHP. This spike came 10 hours after painting their nails.

Not much is known about the chemical's effects on humans, though. A study using animals did link TPHP to reproductive and developmental issues, but it's still too soon to say if that applies to people.

The Environmental Working Group and Duke University say there can be another side effect to TPHP, weight gain.

When it gets into your bloodstream, it can affect hormones and lead to weight gain, WFLA reported.

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