New research found that radiation from nail dryers commonly used in nail salons can damage human DNA, potentially triggering cancer-causing mutations.
The findings contribute to evidence showing that UV light causes "direct cell death and damage to tissue that can lead to skin cancer."
- The study was published in the Nature Communications journal.
- Researchers found that a 20-minute session in UV light caused 20-30% of cells to die.
- Three consecutive 20-minute sessions caused 65-70% of exposed cells to die.
- The remaining cells experienced mitochondrial and DNA damage, causing mutations that have been linked to skin cancer.
- There is not yet enough research for experts to opine on whether or how often people should get gel manicures without exposing themselves to skin cancer risks.