Pro Nail Tech Training: MMA

Showing posts with label MMA. Show all posts

Thursday, November 5, 2015

MMA Regulations

Below are the regulations I have found (as of November 2021) relating to MMA. Please let me know in the comments if you have any information to add or update! (I am still working on this page - I know there are least 30 states in the US with regulations, it just takes time to research!)

Australia: "MMA is not a banned substance in Australia because MMA can be used safely. However, it is important for people to be aware of the risks associated with this product."

Canada: On May 22, 2003, Health Canada issued an advisory warning Canadians about cosmetic nail preparations containing MMA because it can adversely affect the health of persons exposed to it. Section 16 of Canada’s Food and Drug Act states that no cosmetic may cause injury to the health of the user. As a result, the sale and use of cosmetic nail preparations containing MMA was banned in Canada.

UK: As far as I can tell, MMA is still not banned in the UK, despite repeated attempts

US FDA: Based on its investigations of the injuries and discussions with medical experts in the field of dermatology, the agency chose to remove from the market products containing 100 percent methyl methacrylate monomer through court proceedings, which resulted in a preliminary injunction against one firm as well as several seizure actions and voluntary recalls. No regulation specifically prohibits the use of methyl methacrylate monomer in cosmetic products.

US OSHA: (artificial nail products, though banned for use in many states): asthma; irritated eyes, skin, nose, and mouth; difficulty concentrating; loss of smell

US States with MMA Regulations:
Alabama -No licensee shall use methyl methacrylate, or any other product considered poisonous or unsafe

Arizona: The Board's rule, A.A.C. R4-10-112(M) prohibits the use of products containing hazardous substances banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) such as MMA (Methyl Methacrylate monomer) and methylene chloride from being used in a salon or school.
Arkansas: The use of Liquid Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) Monomer is prohibited
California: The use of products that contain the ingredient MMA is prohibited for use in Board licensed establishments.
Delaware: Prohibit the use of methyl methacrylate (MMA).
Florida: Pursuant to Section 477.0265(1)2(h), Florida Statutes, it is unlawful for any
person in the practice of cosmetology to use or possess a cosmetic product containing a liquid nail monomer containing any trace of methyl methacrylate (MMA). If MMA is being used or stored in a salon, this could prompt a case by an investigator. If this happens, legal charges may be brought against you/or the salon. Using or possessing MMA is a 2nd degree misdemeanor punishable by $500 fine and/or imprisonment not to exceed 60 days.
Illinois: The use of nail products or the distribution of nail products containing monomer Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) is prohibited.
Indiana: (a) A person licensed under this article may not use acrylic liquid monomer formulated with methyl methacrylate (MMA). (b) A person who violates subsection (a) may be disciplined under IC
25-1-11.
Iowa: No salon or school shall have on the premises cosmetic products containing substances which have been banned or otherwise deemed hazardous or deleterious by the FDA for use in cosmetic products. Prohibited products include, but are not limited to, any product containing liquid methyl methacrylate monomer and methylene chloride. No product shall be used in a manner that is not approved by the FDA. Presence of a prohibited product in a salon or school is prima facie evidence of that product’s use in the salon or school.

Kansas: MMA is considered a prohibited item
Kentucky: It is illegal for nail salons to apply methyl methacrylate (MMA) to customer’s nails due to various nail deformities caused not by the toxicity of the chemical, but from the physical nature of the chemical once it hardens. If salon inspectors discover this material on the premises, it will be considered an illegal product subject to fine and immediate disposal.
Maryland: If a Board inspector discovers evidence of the use of MMA in a salon, the inspector will report the finding to MOSH, which will follow up to ensure enforcement of the state’s workplace safety and health laws.
Minnesota: Licensees must not use any of the following substances or products in performing cosmetology services:(1) methyl methacrylate liquid monomers, also known as MMA;
Mississippi: No product containing the ingredient methyl methacrylate (MMA) can be used in any manicuring or pedicuring procedure. All products must be correctly labeled, and manufacturer’s data sheets for any nail product must be readily available for review by any agent of the Board of Cosmetology.
Montana: Possession or use of the following items is prohibited: methyl methacrylate monomers for artificial nails
Nebraska: No product containing MMA is used in the establishment;

Nevada: MMA is listed as a prohibited substance

New Hampshire: A licensee, at no time, shall apply Methyl Methacrylate (MMA).
New Jersey: A licensee, licensed shop, or school of cosmetology and hairstyling shall not utilize any
product that contains methyl methacrylate monomer.
New York: No owner or operator of an appearance enhancement business shall knowingly and willfully: sell, use or apply to any person monomeric methyl methacrylate; or direct any agent or employee of such business to sell, use or apply to any person monomeric methyl methacrylate.
North Carolina: Licensees or students shall not use or possess in a cosmetic art school or shop any of the following: (1) Methyl Methacrylate Liquid Monomer, a.k.a. MMA;
Ohio: No person shall do any of the following: Use or possess a liquid nail monomer containing any trace of methyl methacrylate (MMA).
Oklahoma: Each licensee shall be knowledgeable of product ingredients. If not listed on the product, the manufacturer should be contacted for content information. The use of methyl methacrylate (MMA) is prohibited.
Oregon: OHLA prohibits the use of MMA.
Pennsylvania: I couldn't find the specific law on the books but did find that the state fined someone in 2015 for operating "as a nail technology salon in a grossly incompetent and unethical manner through the use of methyl methacrylate substances. "

Rhode Island: The possession and/or use of any cosmetic nail preparation containing methyl methacrylate (MMA) shall be prohibited statute 4.7.6(b)(17)

South Carolina: MMA is listed as a prohibited substance

South Dakota - The South Dakota Cosmetology Commission does not allow the use of liquid MMA.

Tennessee: No establishment or school shall have on the premises cosmetic products containing

hazardous substances which have been banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

(FDA) for use in cosmetic products, including, but not limited to, liquid methyl methacrylate

Texas: Licensees may not use or possess any of the following substances or products in performing cosmetology services. Methyl Methacrylate Liquid Monomers (also known as MMA). For the purpose of performing services authorized under the Act, no licensee shall buy, sell, use, or apply to any person liquid monomeric methyl methacrylate (MMA).

Utah: Unlawful conduct includes: using or possessing a solution composed of at least 10% methyl methacrylate on a client
Virginia: No shop or school shall have on the premises cosmetic products containing hazardous substances which have been banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in cosmetic products, including liquid methyl methacrylate monomer and methylene chloride. No product shall be used in a manner that is disapproved by the FDA.
Washington: Use of 100% liquid methyl methacrylate monomer and methylene chloride products are prohibited. No product must be used in a manner that is disapproved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Wisconsin: Licensees may not use methyl methacrylate monomer, commonly referred to as MMA in liquid form, and may not use any cosmetic or nail product formulated with MMA as one of its ingredients.
West Virginia: The FDA prohibits the use of products containing methacrylate monomers (LMMA/MMA). These products are toxic. The Board also prohibits the use of these products

US States with No MMA Regulations Found on their Online Pages (as of 2021)
Alaska

Colorado
Connecticut (no nail licensure)
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Louisiana
Maine
Massachusetts
Michigan
Missouri
New Mexico
North Dakota
Wyoming

https://www.nailsmag.com/page/598294/list-of-state-boards-for-nails-and-cosmetology

MMA: Methyl Methacrylate

In 1954, dentist Fred slack accidentally created acrylic nails when he repaired a broken fingernail with some products he had lying around the office. At that time, Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) was a common monomer used for dental prosthesis and that is what he used for his fingernail. This, of course, led to it being the monomer of choice for nail technicians of the time.

Fast forward to the 1970's. The FDA ( US Food and Drug Administration) was receiving numerous complaints about nail injuries and allergic reactions and decided to issue its first ban on MMA for use in nail products. At that time, manufacturers voluntarily took MMA out of their formulations and the FDA did not pursue further legal tactics. However, no specific federal law was ever enacted prohibiting the use of this chemical in nail formulations which led to new manufacturers deciding to sell it. Since the late 1990's most states (though not all of them) in the USA have banned the substance for use in their state, but of course that doesn't stop unscrupulous salons from obtaining and using it.

In September 1996, in a letter written to the Nail Manufacturers Council , the FDA stated “We continue to believe that liquid methyl methacrylate, when used in cosmetic fingernail preparations, is a poisonous and deleterious substance. Generally speaking, the agency is prepared to consider regulatory action against fingernail products formulated with liquid methyl methacrylate monomer as one of its ingredients.”

Also referred to as "dental acrylic" or "porcelain nails", MMA is cheap - up to 1/3 the price of EMA (Ethyl Methacrylcate - the "good" acrylic monomer) and is often used to keep costs down in shops with low profit margins.

One more note - MMA is only a problem in the acrylic monomers (liquid) NOT the polymers (powder) and NOT with true gels or wraps.

Facts

MMA is not intended for soft tissue, it is used to repair bones and teeth - and dental prosthetics are cured outside the body so therefore never come in contact with the soft tissue. MMA is also used in road markers and plexiglass signs.

Reasons not to use MMA From Doug Schoon:

"Reason 1. My research shows that MMA has terrible adhesion to the natural nail. The only way to make it stick is to severely abrade the nail, which weakens the nail plate tremendously. Any product will stick well if you shred up the nail plate, even MMA.
Reason 2. MMA creates enhancements that are stronger than the natural nail. In other words, too strong! If an MMA enhancement is jammed hard enough the weakened nail plate often breaks and bleeds, instead of the product cracking. That's bad news! When designing a nail enhancement product, my premiere goal is to make the product weaker than the natural nail, to prevent serious nail plate damage. MMA does the opposite.
Reason 3. MMA cannot be easily removed from the nail plate, in fact it's very difficult. MMA is insoluble in all safe solvents, i.e. acetone. Because of this, MMA is usually ripped off the already thin, weak damaged nail. This can lead to severe nail infections and severe nail plate damage. It can even cause permanent injury to the nail bed and plate. Look around at all the damaged MMA nails, now you know why!"

Issues for Nail Techs:

Chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Methyl Methacrylate and can last for months or years
Repeatedly breathing in the vaports can cause symptoms such as "pins and needles", numbness, weakness, and changes in the ability to remember and concentrate.
Exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, and throat - High exposures can cause you to feel dizzy and lightheaded

Fiction/Myths

From Doug Schoon:
"Unfortunately, most people who talk about MMA don't understand the issues. Most of the misinformation about MMA is being spread by misinformed nail techs and those who have a financial interesting in clouding the issue with lots of bogus, scientific sounding arguments.

Myth 1- "There is nothing wrong with MMA. The "big" companies are jealous and just trying to put us little guys out of business." If that were true, why don't the "big" companies make an MMA product and really put them out of business? I could make a MMA product that be many times better than anything on the market. I don't for two very good reasons, 1). The FDA says don't use MMA monomer and 2) MMA monomer isn't a good nail product ingredient (and I have many years of research, observations and experiences to back up that claim.)
Myth 2- "MMA is just a safe as EMA" and people who are trying to scare you about EMA say "EMA is just a dangerous as MMA". Here's the trick- this isn't even the issue! It's designed to fool you away from the real issue. MMA isn't dangerous to nail technicians health. Neither is EMA. Workers in hundreds of types of industries use both of these monomers and there are reams of studies which support the fact that both monomers are safe to nail technicians (but sadly not for clients). Remember, any chemical CAN be dangerous. Vitamins CAN be dangerous chemicals. Water CAN be a dangerous chemical. Wine CAN be a dangerous mixture of chemical. The question is, are they dangerous when used correctly? The answer is no. MMA is no more "dangerous" than EMA and... EMA has TWICE in seven years been declared safe to use by the highly prestigious CIR expert panel of world renown dermatologist, toxicologists and doctors (and the FDA agreed with the finding). Give me a break, how much more proof does it take? Here is the real issue. MMA is used in bone cements. It's perfectly safe for that use. But, the properties that make it great bone cement, makes it a terrible nail enhancement product which damages the nail plate and bed.
Myth 3- "MMA and EMA cause liver damage, kidney damage..., etc". Hey, what doesn't? Especially if you really overexposure yourself, all sorts of things can happen. You could die from eating too much baby food. Fact: Under the conditions nail tech use these products, they are safe and will not cause any these problems related to long term, mass overexposure. Anyone can come up with a list of all the things a chemical CAN do, even water! Water CAN kill you... if you stick your head in a bucket of water for five minutes (don't try this at home <g>). "

Other Myths/Misinformation

Methyl Methacrylate has not been proven to cause cancer.
MMA does not "eat through the nail bed", though the severe roughing up of the nails that is required for it to stick will cause damage.
Methyl Methacrylate has not been proven to cause lung damage (though overexposure can cause symptoms listed above in the Facts section).
There is no proof it will damage a developing fetus.

Signs of MMA Use

Strong odor that physically affects you. Beauty services involving chemicals often have offensive odors, like perms. However, while the smell may offend you, it should not physically affect you. If you experience any tightness in your throat or chest, tingling in your fingers, lightheadedness, dizziness, or an odd taste in your mouth, it is possible that MMA is being used - this odor doesn’t smell like other acrylic liquids and is often described as a "fruity" odor.
Ammonia-like odor when filing cured product (for fill-ins or repairs)
Enhancements which are extremely hard and very difficult to file even with coarse abrasives.
Enhancements that will not soak off in solvents designed to remove acrylics (or take a very, very long time to soak off and when they do turn gummy rather than flakey like EMA).
Cloudy or milky color when cured.
MMA turns yellow after time, "requiring" the client to get a new full set periodically.
Unlabeled containers – technician will not show or tell the client what brand of product is being used (this one is not "proof" necessarily but should make you question why they won't show you)
It used to be said that if you were paying significantly less than the "normal" price for acrylic nails then you should suspect MMA (becasue MMA costs so much less than EMA), however nowadays there are many techncians using EMA who have priced their services to compete with the discount salon segment, so this "sign" of MMA is no longer necesarily true, though it is not a bad idea to always question how a salon can be significantly cheaper than their competetors.