Scientists exposed skin cells of mice and humans to the UV radiation of the nail dryers for twenty minutes. It then turned out that 30 percent of the cells had died.
The part that did survive had damage to the DNA. This damage can be compared to melanoma, a form of skin cancer. A control group that was not exposed to the UV light had no cell damage.
The researchers call the results of the study “worrying”. “UV light damages skin cells, increasing the risk of skin cancer,” they write.
However, the researchers cannot yet say with certainty whether the nail dryers cause cancer. This is because this research took place in a laboratory. Cells there are more fragile and therefore more susceptible to damage than skin cells on your hand. In addition, people often only use the nail dryers for a few minutes.
The research does make it clear that the use of the devices is risky, says KWF Cancer Control. According to the organization, it is therefore best to limit it as much as possible to minimize the risk of skin cancer.
Last year, more than 23,000 people in the Netherlands were diagnosed with skin cancer. This makes it the most common form of cancer.