The scientists exposed mouse and human skin cells to the ultraviolet rays of nail dryers for twenty minutes. Then it turned out that 30% of the cells died.
The part that survived had DNA damage. This damage can be compared to melanoma, which is a form of skin cancer. The control group that was not exposed to UV light did not develop cell damage.
The researchers described the results of the study as “disturbing”. “UV light damages skin cells and increases the risk of skin cancer,” they wrote.
However, researchers can’t say for sure whether nail dryers cause cancer. This is because this research was done in a lab. The cells there are more fragile and therefore more susceptible to damage than the skin cells on your hand. In addition, people often use nail dryers for just a few minutes.
Research shows that using the devices is risky, says KWF Cancer Control. According to the organization, it is best to limit it as much as possible to reduce 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 type of cancer.
