'Toxin-Free' Nail Salon Products Still Have Toxins

The labels say they're free of toxic chemicals—but certain products in nail salons could be dangerous for workers, a California report finds. Investigators are raising concern about the so-called "toxic trio" of formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate, which have been associated with cancer and birth defects, the Los Angeles Times reports. Nail product makers aren't heavily regulated, says a scientist.

"Low levels in the products really add up when you are using them constantly," she says. The report's results are "disheartening, distressing and disturbing as a consumer and a regulator," notes the director of the state department behind the study, adding that more oversight is needed to be sure labels are telling the truth. Nail salon workers face headaches and skin and respiratory problems more frequently than other people, the Times notes. (More nail salon stories.)