21/02/2019
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The is a serious chemical MMA, ladies beware.
Methyl methacrylate, or MMA, originated in the dental industry for making crowns and bridges. It is also used as bone cement by orthopedic surgeons during joint replacement procedures, in some flooring products, resins, and Plexiglas. This chemical was not designed to come in contact with skin or nails. Did you ever had to wait for a permanent crown to be made in a lab? The reason for this is that MMA, while in a liquid state, should be used in a controlled laboratory environment by properly trained technicians. Once MMA is not dangerous when it has hardened.
In the late 1960s and 70's, some nail technicians began using MMA for acrylic nail services because it was much less expensive than the safer alternative, ethyl methacrylate Due to numerous consumer complaints, the FDA determined that any manufacturer who used MMA in nail products was using a 'poisonous and deleterious substance,' and in 1974 took action against a manufacturer for doing so.
MMA is not recommended for use in acrylic nail products because it is much too hard, and can tear the nail off the finger easily. It is also solvent resistant, which makes it very difficult to remove. It takes a long time to remove MMA when soaking in acetone. Many technicians damage the nail plate when prepping for MMA, since that product needs grooves in the nail in order to stick well. A technician should always protect and preserve the natural nail under any enhancement product. And, finally, MMA should not be used in nail products because the FDA has determined that it is not safe for that purpose.
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Methyl methacrylate (MMA) has a distinctive strong fruity odor. There are other indicators that might help you determine if a salon is using MMA.
Strong odor that physically affects you. Beauty services involving chemicals often have offensive odors, like perms. However, while the smell may offend you, it should not physically affect you. If you experience any tightness in your throat or chest, tingling in your fingers, lightheadedness, dizziness, or an odd taste in your mouth, it is possible that MMA is being used.
No manufacturer’s labeled containers -- your technician should show you what products they are using on you. If the acrylic liquid is not kept in a manufacturer’s labeled container or if it is in a gallon jug, ask what it is. If you do not receive a satisfactory answer, leave the salon.
Price -- While this is not always the case, low prices can be an indicator that the salon uses MMA. MMA is considerably less expensive to purchase than the safer alternative EMA. If MMA is being used, a low price will usually follow, but that is not necessarily always the case.
In an acrylic nail service, the product that is required most is liquid. If the liquid costs around $200 per gallon, how can the salon keep their prices so low, especially if they are located in a high rent shopping center? The most costly expenses in owning a salon are rent, salaries, and products. If the prices are low, where are they cutting costs? Are they compromising safety by using unlicensed operators? Are they using less expensive products that are not safe just to keep costs down? ASK THEM.
Physical reaction -- If your fingers burn, itch or hurt after receiving nail services, this can indicate MMA exposure. Beauty services are not a no-pain-no-gain arena. We hear of consumers who, when asked if their fingers hurt after getting acrylic nails, say yes, but only for a couple of days. Ask yourself, if you went to a hair salon and got your hair colored or permed and your head hurt, but only for a couple of days, would you go back? No, you would not. It is not normal for your fingers to hurt after professional services.
