A new study by Duke University has uncovered evidence that a common chemical found in most nail polish may actually be causing chaos to our hormones––even leading to weight gain.
The chemical in question is triphenyl phosphate, or TPHP, and it’s used in nail polish to give it durability and flexibility. Shockingly, TPHP was found inside the bodies of every single woman who volunteered for the study. All 26 participants had levels that were up to seven times the norm.
What does this mean, exactly? Nothing good. These findings could yield serious implications for nail polish users, especially young women, because TPHP messes with our hormone systems. Research from the Environmental Working Group has previously linked hormone disruption to early onset of puberty, neurodevelopmental problems and obesity.
TPHP was found in 49 percent of the 3000 nail polishes tested in the research study. The Environmental Working Group posted a petition to have popular brands remove the chemical and has also posted a database with information on brands containing it.
Kate Hoffman, a co-author of the study, believes that these findings are shedding light on a need for better regulations when it comes to cosmetics.
“We shouldn’t be in this situation,” Hoffman said. “We need to make sure we have a clear picture of the safety data before these compounds wind up in products and people’s bodies.”