By: Jemimah Chungu
A new study has revealed that ultraviolet (UV) nail polish dryers may be linked to an increased risk of developing cancerous diseases. These UV nail polish dryers are commonly used for pedicure and manicure around the world.
The Nature Communications Journal recently reported a connection between these ultraviolet radiation machines and issues of mutation at the cellular level, which can be cancerous. Ultraviolet A light is typically emitted by UV-nail polish dryers, and long-term use may increase the risk of skin cancer. However, no experimental evaluation had been conducted to determine the effect of radiation emitted by UV-nail polish dryers on mammalian cells – until now.
The study found that irradiation by a UV-nail polish dryer causes high levels of reactive oxygen species, consistent with 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine damage and mitochondrial dysfunction. Analysis of somatic mutations revealed a dose-dependent increase of C:G>A:T substitutions in irradiated samples with mutagenic patterns similar to mutational signatures previously attributed to reactive oxygen species. In other words, this study demonstrates that radiation emitted by UV-nail polish dryers can both damage DNA and permanently engrave mutations on the genomes of primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts, human foreskin fibroblasts, and human epidermal keratinocytes.
The findings of this study should not be surprising, as any UV exposure, especially when repeated, can cause cancer. This is why the depletion of the ozone layer, which shields us from UV rays from the Sun, is a major concern.
Despite the potential risks, nail art is a popular and lucrative business in the fashion industry. Pedicure and manicure are not only a relaxing treat, but also a stylish must-have.
