BEIJING, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Ultraviolet nail polish drying devices used to cure gel nails may cause more public health problems than previously thought, according to a study recently published in Nature Communications. Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, studied these ultraviolet light-emitting devices and found that their use can lead to cell death and cancer-causing mutations in human cells.

The devices, which are common in nail salons, typically use a specific ultraviolet light spectrum (340-395 nanometers) to cure the chemicals used in gel nail care. Studies have confirmed that the UV spectrum used in tanning beds (280-400 nm) is carcinogenic, but the spectrum used in nail dryers has not previously been studied in depth.

This time, the researchers used three different cell lines - adult epidermal keratin-forming cells, human foreskin fibroblasts and mouse embryonic fibroblasts - and found that just one 20-minute use of this UV-emitting device would result in the death of 20 to 30 percent of exposed cells, while three consecutive 20-minute uses would result in 65% to 70% of the exposed cells to die. Exposure to UV light also resulted in mitochondrial and DNA damage in the remaining cells and led to mutations in a pattern that can be observed in human skin cancer.

In summary, cell death, damage and DNA mutations were observed in both cases, with elevated reactive oxygen molecules in the cells (known to cause DNA damage and mutations) and mitochondrial dysfunction in the cells. Genomic analysis revealed higher levels of somatic mutations in irradiated cells, a pattern of mutations commonly found in melanoma patients. The researchers warned that long-term use of these nail polish dryers may be harmful to human cells.

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