Study Finds Cancer Risk Associated With UV Nail Dryers
Source: Dermatology Times, February 2023
There is speculation that the radiation from ultraviolet (UV) nail polish drying devices used in gel manicures, can damage DNA, and cause permanent mutations in cells. A new study reinforces prior experimental studies that UV radiation can lead to skin cancer.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego studied the effect of chronic and acute exposure on adult human skin keratinocytes, human foreskin fibroblasts, and mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Exposure consisted of a 54-W UV nail drying machine, harboring 6 bulbs that emit UV photons for curing gel nail polish.
Study investigators found that a single 20-minute session led to cell death in 20% to 30% of the cells. Three or more consecutive 20-minute session exposures killed off 65% to 70% of exposed cells. Any remaining cells experienced mitochondrial and DNA damage, resulting in patterns indicative of skin cancer in humans. Genomic profiling revealed higher levels of somatic mutations in the irradiated cells and mutation patterns associated with melanoma.