Dangers of MMA

At After Hours Salon only high quality and safe products are used. Going to a discount salon is NOT safe, here is why.

WHAT IS MMA?
Methyl methacrylate liquid monomers, commonly known as MMA, have been a common ingredient in professional nail products. MMA was used very early in the nail industry and was often referred to as ‘dental acrylics" or "porcelain nails".
The FDA believes that liquid methyl methacrylate when used in cosmetic fingernail preparations, is a poisonous and deleterious substance.
MMA atoms are so small that they can easily penetrate the skin and nail plate. MMA is a sensitiser that can cause irritation and allergic reactions once it’s in contact with the skin. The Material Data Safety Sheet mentions the following:

MMA has a strong, sharp, fruity odour that can affect you when inhaled.
It may damage the developing fetus.
Exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose and throat.
Exposure could damage the nervous system. Symptoms may include pins & needles, numbness, weakness and changes in the ability to remember and concentrate.
Severe side effects may include abnormal liver or kidney functions, nervous system and reproductive problems.

WHY IS MMA USED?
MMA is still used around the world because it sets fast, adheres like no other product and requires less skill. But most of all, it is inexpensive compared to ethyl methacrylate.
Clients enjoy their nails because of their incredible strength until…they knock them. Then they discover that not only does the nail enhancement lift off, but also their own natural nail comes right off the nail bed!
Maybe within a few days the client is feeling pain, pressure and numbness, and then perhaps watches their nail turn black.

HOW WOULD I KNOW IF SOMEONE IS USING MMA?

Low pricing for an acrylic service that is not on a special offer.
Secrecy about the acrylic brands used. Be aware that the brand name advertised may not be the particular brand of acrylic used. Don’t be shy ask to see the original containers…. it’s your health. If you’re not sure walk away!
Nail technicians often wear masks to prevent inhalation of the distinct odours.
MMA acrylic is impossible or very difficult to remove with acetone or other solvents.
MMA can cause serious skin reactions and permanent nail damage, including actual nail loss.
Nail technicians can suffer permanent damage to the respiratory system and liver through long-term exposure.

While MMA make nail enhancements incredibly strong, it isn’t safe for use on soft nail tissue. MMA based products have extremely poor adhesion to the natural nail plate.
For better adhesion the natural nail plate must be excessively filed, or if you already have enhancements the nail plate must be drilled or filed extremely thin before MMA is applied.
The incredible strength of the nail with MMA increases the potential for nail damage.
If the nail breaks the whole nail maybe removed. It has been known for women to loose their nail causing the matrix to be damaged permanently - this where the new cell form to create a new nail - because the MMA acrylic didn’t break when the trauma happened.
Wearing MMA nails on a daily basis over time will eventually erode and compromise the health of the natural nail and its attachment to the nail bed.

WHAT IS THE SAFE ALTERNATIVE?

Ethyl Methacrylate Liquid Monomers EMA
Most manufacturers formulate their liquid monomer with ethyl methacrylate. This product has been declared safe for use by trained nail technicians
EMA is a much safer and larger atom and doesn’t damage the nail plates, and it is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. EMA and gels are meant to adhere to healthy nail surfaces - their chemical composition/physical structure is meant to match the surface of a healthy nail. Acrylic nails can be and should be safe when properly applied and maintained.

Article written by Trish Nicholls
http://www.beautymagonline.com/pages/nails_mma.htm

Shellac- French