How Once-Approved Chemicals Become Banned: The Case of Gel Manicures
The article explains how chemicals like TPO, once approved for use in gel manicures, can later be banned due to emerging health and environmental concerns. It highlights the EU's precautionary approach, the complexity of chemical regulation, and the importance of weighing risks, benefits, and alternatives in everyday products.
The article explores how chemicals such as TPO, used as photoinitiators in gel manicures, can be banned after new research reveals potential health risks, such as reproductive toxicity and cancer. The EU recently banned TPO based on animal studies, while the US continues to allow its use, citing minimal exposure and compliance with safety regulations. The article notes that alternatives like benzophenone and TPO-L also carry their own concerns. It explains the regulatory process, particularly the EU's REACH system, which requires companies to prove chemicals are safe and can restrict or ban substances if risks are unacceptable. The article emphasizes that decisions about chemical safety are not instant but evolve as more evidence emerges from real-world use. It also discusses the broader pattern of chemical regulation, referencing other substances like PFAS and glyphosate, and highlights the shift toward designing chemicals with safety and sustainability in mind. The article concludes that while chemistry provides many benefits, it is crucial to use it wisely to avoid unintended consequences.
