Carcinogens found in 70 per cent of gel nail polishes tested by Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog
- Watchdog finds harmful chemicals banned by European Union in products from major retailers
- Among polishes tested by council, only eight were found without carcinogens
Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog has found carcinogens in about 70 per cent of gel nail polish tested and has referred the results to customs for further investigation.
Revealing its findings on Thursday, the Consumer Council said 17 out of the 25 gel nail polishes it examined contained at least one type of carcinogen banned by the European Union.
“It is quite a surprise to us as well finding out that these gel nail polishes contain [a number] of carcinogens and also the use of banned ingredients,” council chief executive Gilly Wong Fung-han said.
“On this basis, we would urge the manufacturers to look into their formulation … and improve the quality and safety level of the product immediately.”
Gel polish, a popular alternative to its regular counterpart, hardens when placed under ultraviolet (UV) light in a process known as curing, making it more durable.
The watchdog tested products from major retailers, with prices ranging from HK$88 (US$11) to HK$238 per bottle.
The council found 14 models contained at least one or two types of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are harmful contaminants commonly found in plastics and banned by the EU. Naphthalene was detected in 13 of these products, at levels ranging from 0.01mg to 0.20mg, with one sample containing 0.01mg of benzo[a]anthracene and another product with 0.01mg of anthracene.