Warning signs of MMA use:

Here are some signs that your acrylic nails may contain MMA:

- MMA has an unusually strong or strange odor which doesn't smell like other acrylic liquids. Odor is present during application and when filing cured product (for fill-ins or repairs).
- Enhancements which are extremely hard and very difficult to file even with coarse abrasives.
- Enhancements take a very long time to soak off in solvents designed to remove acrylics.
- Cloudy or milky color when cured.

Difference between EMA and MMA?

First, only three atoms distinguish the difference between EMA and MMA. However, this small chemical difference makes EMA much safer. An example is the difference between poisonous wood alcohol (methanol) and beverage alcohol (ethanol). Again the difference between the two molecules is only three atoms. Yet wood alcohol is deadly if consumed. Beverage alcohol is considered safe (if not used in excess!).

Another difference, and one that is most relative to consumers, is PRICE. MMA is much less expensive (about 1/16th the cost!), compared to EMA - this may explain the difference in prices at different salons.

Find a Qualified Technician

Manicure services should NOT be painful. If the technician is causing you ANY pain, seek out another more qualified technician immediately, DO NOT allow the technician to continue the service. Report a complaint and submit it promptly with photos if possible.
The salons that usually cause a problem are usually lacking or one that follows poor sanitation practices, uses inferior and/or prohibited products, and under trained or non-qualified technicians.

Additional warning signs though less definitive:

- Low price of fills and full sets (MMA cost 1/3 of EMA)
- Techs or management that are secretive about brands used. Just because they have a name brand polish in the salon does not mean they are using that brand of acrylic. ASK to see original containers!
- Technicians often wear masks to prevent inhalation of the powerful distinct odor- noxious, sharp and fruity (although many technicians use dust masks today who do not use MMA)
- You experience headaches and a runny nose when you visit the salon

EMA is safe

You will be happy to know that ethyl methacrylate is one of the most studied monomers on Earth. There is a huge amount of scientific literature that backs up the safety of this important substance. It is used in everything from household plastics to medical devices that are implanted in the body.

ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION

Ultraviolet radiation is an electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths between 100~400nm. These rays are emitted from the sun and are not visible to our naked eye. Based on the effects, UV radiation is categorized into 3 ranges: UV-A, B and C.

covers wavelengths of 320-400nm, and is not absorbed by the ozone layer and is the least harmful UV ray. Most of the sun’s natural light is categorized into UV-A. It penetrates deep into the skin causing wrinkles and aging over time. People come in contact with UVAs when they are sun-tanning.

ozone layer. UVB is needed for the production of vitamin D. Vitamin D regulates calcium metabolism which is crucial in our nervous system, bone growth, immunity, cell development, insulin secretion and blood pressure. However too much UV-B exposure can lead to direct DNA damage, sunburn and skin cancer.

however they can destroy vitamin A in the skin. All 3 types of UV radiation can damage collagen fibers and thereby accelerate aging of the skin.

layer absorbs UVC before it reaches the earth’s surface. UVC have the ability to kill bacteria in air, surface and water. In humans, UVC is absorbed in the outer dead layers of the epidermis. Unintentional overexposure to UVC causes skin redness and eye irritation, but does not cause skin cancer or cataracts.

SANITIZING