Methyl Methacrylate Monomers not permitted in NC Salons

Artificial nails are composed primarily of acrylic polymers and are made by reacting together acrylic monomers, such as ethyl methacrylate monomer, with acrylic polymers, such as polymethylmethacrylate. When the reaction is completed, traces of the monomer are likely to remain in the polymer. For example, traces of methacrylate monomers remain after artificail nails are formed. The polymers themselves are typically quite safe, but traces of the reactive monomers could result in an adverse reaction, such as redness, swelling, and pain in the nail bed, among people who have become sensitive (allergic) to methacrylates.

Ethyl methacrylate monomer is commonly used today in acrylic nails, although methyl methacrylate monomer may still be found in some artificial nail products. In the early 1970s, FDA received a number of complaints of injury associated with the use of artificial nails containing methyl methacrylate monomer. Among these injuries were reports of fingernail damage and deformity, as well as contact dermatitis. Unlike methyl methacrylate monomer, methyl methacrylate polymers were not associated with these injuries. Based on its investigations of the injuries and discussions with medical experts in the field of dermatology, the agency chose to remove from the market products containing 100 percent methyl methacrylate monomer through court proceedings, which resulted in a preliminary injunction against one firm as well as several seizure actions and voluntary recalls.

Health Factors

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) carcinogenic classification: Group 3, not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans

NIOSH Immediately Dangerous To Life or Health Concentration (IDLH): 1,000ppm

Potential symptoms: Irritation of eyes, skin, nose, throat; cough, shortness of breath, sore throat; skin sensitization, allergic contact dermatitis; nail dystrophy, infection (onycholysis), separation (paronychia), paresthesia (burning, tingling, numbness) at the fingertips; allergic rhinitis; asthma; INGES. ACUTE: Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting.

Health Effects: Irritation-Eyes, Nose, Throat, Skin---Mild (HE16); Respiratory sensitization (asthma, rhinitis) (HE9); Mutagen (HE2); Suspect teratogen (HE5)

Affected organs: Eyes, skin, respiratory system

United States. Office of Cosmetics and Colors. Food and Drug Administration. Using Nail Products. 13 Dec. 2006. 04 Feb. 2008 <http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-nail.html>.

United States. OSHA. Department of Labor. Chemical Sampling Information: Methyl Methacrylate. 27 Apr. 2007. 4 Feb. 2008 <http://www.osha.gov/dts/chemicalsampling/data/CH_254400.html#exposure>.