(NewsPress) Toxic watchdog BAN Toxics (BT) sounded the alarm over the selling of “Kiddie Fashion Nails” despite the ban issued by the Food and Drug Administration due to the presence of adhesive containing dibutyl phthalate – a known endocrine disruptor.

In the recent market monitoring conducted by BT Patrollers, the group had purchased a pack of kiddie fashion nails with adhesive tube, and was being sold for P80 pesos for a pack of 20 pieces.

“A group of chemicals, phthalates are primarily used to soften and improve the flexibility and durability of plastics. Some are also used as solvents and stabilizers in product formulations including personal care products and cosmetics. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors, and exposure to phthalates has been linked to breast cancer, developmental issues, decreased fertility, obesity and asthma,” according to the Breast Cancer Prevention Partners.

In 2015, the Food and Drug Administration issued FDA Advisory 2015-006, a public health warning against unnotified kiddie fashion nails with nail adhesive containing dibutyl phthalate (DBP). The substance is a banned ingredient included on the List of Substances which “Must not Form Part of the Composition of Cosmetic Products” (Annex II Part I Ref. No. 675) of the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD).