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What is the true risk of toluene in Seche Vite top coat?
  • padawan
    Hi Brains,

    Something I've been curious about lately is the risk of toluene in Seche Vite top coat, and I was wondering if you could elaborate on it. According to Prop 65, certain products have to be labelled if they pose a health risk, and in particular SV has a label warning potential birth defects if this product is used. You can see the potiential for some people to raise a BIG stink about this already.... :)

    My questions are:
    1) At what concentrations/volumes does toluene become toxic?
    2) Could the amount in SV be dangerous?
    3) Is it true toluene cannot be absorbed through the skin as it is non-polar?  (ref: boyfriend is in 3rd-year Medicinal Chemistry. However he has not
    covered very specific information on toluene as he did not focus on
    organic chemistry.) I am asking because toluene absorption through skin is a concern stated by others regarding SV.

    Thanks,
    padawan


  • Ally E.Ally E.
    a few days ago I found a beautiful range of nail polishes, but it had toluene as first ingredient and I didn't buy any knowing it wasn't big 3 free. is it really that bad?
  • alchemist
    1. 
    Most of the data on Toulune has been conducted on inhalation exposure, as this had been the major exposure route (was used extensively as a solvent in the printing industry for many years).  Authorities most countries around the world have set an atmospheric concentration of 100ppm.  This limit is based on very long exposures in the work place.  Safety limits are set by finding the highest level no effect is seen and then applying  a safety factor to this.

    2.
    If the product is not used correctly or abused, there certainly could be enough in there to present a hazard.  Don't go around sniffing the stuff.

    3.
    Toluene can be absorbed through the skin, but very very slowly slowly.  Absorption through the nails would be even lower, probably negligable.
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