In the world of nail products, ethyl methacrylate (EMA) is the most commonly used monomer for acrylic nails. However, there’s another monomer that’s been historically used: methyl methacrylate (MMA). While MMA was once popular, it was banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1974 due to safety concerns. So why was MMA banned, and should it still be a concern today? Let’s dive in.

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🚨 What’s the Difference Between MMA and EMA?

Both MMA and EMA are liquid monomers that react with acrylic powders to form the hard surface we use for artificial nails. MMA liquid monomer was a commonly used ingredient in artificial nail products for many years, as EMA liquid is now.

Both can cause contact dermatitis, asthma, and allergies in the eyes and nose – all problems that nail technicians know about – heck, we’ve just been studying Chemical Hazards. Both can make the eyes, nose, and other mucous membranes sting, become red, and swell when used incorrectly. Neither is completely innocent. As we know, it is best to control your exposure before you become sensitised to any chemical.

There are a few key differences that make MMA more problematic.

• MMA is much stronger than EMA, which is why it was favored for its durability.
• However, MMA has significant health risks associated with it, while EMA is considered safer for both nail techs and clients.

MMA vs. EMA in Terms of Strength:

While MMA’s strength might seem like a good thing (clients love how hard their nails are), it’s a double-edged sword. Yes, the nails won’t break easily, but that means if something hard hits them (like slamming your hand in a door), the natural nail may be ripped off along with the enhancement. With EMA, the enhancement absorbs the force and breaks without damaging the natural nail. So, strength isn’t always better.

Note – Both EMA and MMA are safely used in Acrylic Powders, even now. Unlike liquid MMA monomer, powder MMA polymers are considered safer because they will not penetrate the skin and do not pose the same risks as liquid MMA.

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⚠️ Why Was MMA Banned?

• In the early 1970s, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received a number of personal injury complaints associated with the use of liquid MMA monomer for nails. After investigations and discussions with medical experts, the FDA concluded that liquid MMA monomer was a poisonous and harmful substance that should not be used in artificial nail products. Court rulings resulted in legal action against one firm, as well as several seizure actions and voluntary recalls to remove products containing liquid MMA monomer from the marketplace.
• Testing done on animals that had been exposed to high concentrations of liquid MMA monomer vapours suggests that excessive inhalation may cause damage to the respiratory system and to the liver.
• It was eventually banned in the U.S. due to its toxicity and serious health risks, including:
  • Respiratory system damage from inhaling MMA vapors
  • Liver damage with high exposure
  • Skin irritation and dermatitis

Further studies also found that MMA doesn’t bond well with natural nails without heavy filing, which can damage the natural nail plate and bed. It also makes filing the nails extremely difficult, almost like filing concrete.

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🚨 Health Risks of MMA Exposure

MMA exposure can cause several issues, including:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Skin irritation
• Respiratory issues (coughing, wheezing)

When nail techs are exposed to high concentrations of MMA, especially in poorly ventilated environments, they are at high risk of sensitisation, meaning they may react strongly to even small amounts of MMA over time.

The odor of MMA is much stronger than that of EMA, and the vapors are hard to avoid, which makes it even more dangerous to use.

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💰 Why Do Some Salons Still Use MMA?

MMA liquid is significantly cheaper than EMA. While EMA can cost around $220 per litre, MMA can be found for just $20 per litre. So, some salons may use MMA to keep costs low, especially when they’re working with large numbers of clients. Additionally, because MMA is stronger, clients often perceive the nails as more durable.

However, the cost-saving is not worth the risk. MMA’s lack of flexibility and difficulty in removal make it a less-than-ideal choice for both nail techs and clients.

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❌ Why You Should Avoid MMA

• Strong and Rigid: MMA’s strength means it doesn’t have the flexibility that EMA provides. If you bump your hand, the artificial nail will not break but the natural nail will often detach with it. Not only is this painful for the client, but it can also lead to permanent damage to their nail bed.
• Harsh Natural Nail Prep: Liquid MMA monomer does not bond well to the natural nail without heavy filing with coarse abrasives, which may cause damage to the nail plate and bed – salons who use MMA liquid often prep the natural nail with an e-file/drill whereas EMA salons need only use a soft buffer.
• Hard to File: MMA nails are incredibly difficult to file down, requiring extreme force and potentially causing damage to the natural nail. It’s often compared to filing concrete!
• Removal Is a Nightmare: Removing MMA is much harder than EMA. MMA turns into a jelly-like substance when exposed to acetone and doesn’t break down like EMA does. This makes the removal process messier, more time-consuming, and much riskier in terms of exposure to the chemical.
• Stronger Odor: MMA has a much more overpowering smell than EMA, making the work environment uncomfortable and potentially harmful if not ventilated properly.

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⚠️ Can I Use MMA Safely?

If you’re going to use MMA, it’s not recommended unless you’re taking serious precautions:

• Ventilated Workstation: Ensure you have strong ventilation and commercial extraction systems in place.
• Protective Gear: Always wear gloves, masks, and long sleeves to protect yourself from skin contact and inhalation of MMA vapors.
• Limited Exposure: Even with proper precautions, the potential for overexposure is higher with MMA than with EMA.

If you can avoid it, you absolutely should.

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💡 How to Handle Clients with MMA Nails

If a client comes in with nails done using MMA (How can we tell?), here’s what to do:

• Backfilling MMA Nails: While you can backfill MMA nails, be extra cautious. Use the appropriate protective gear, work in a well-ventilated area, and inform the client that there may be a risk of lifting or breakage if you apply a different brand (like EMA) over MMA.
• Removing MMA Nails: Removing MMA requires extra time and precautions. Use gloves, a mask, and ensure good ventilation to avoid inhaling the dust or vapors. The removal process is more labor-intensive, so be sure to book extra time with your client.

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💭 Should I Use MMA?

Bottom Line: No, you shouldn’t. Despite its lower cost and strength, MMA poses significant health risks, is difficult to work with, and leads to unpredictable outcomes for both you and your clients.

If you’re taking the right precautions, you might be able to handle MMA with fewer problems. But ultimately, EMA is the safer choice, both for you and your clients, and offers a better overall experience for everyone.

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Pop Quiz!

1. Why was Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) banned by the FDA in 1974?

• A. It was too expensive for salons to use
• B. It caused severe health risks including respiratory damage and skin irritation
• C. It made nails too soft
• D. It was not effective in nail enhancements

2. What is the main difference between MMA and EMA in terms of strength?

• A. MMA is much weaker than EMA
• B. EMA is much stronger and more rigid than MMA
• C. MMA is much stronger than EMA, making nails harder and less flexible
• D. EMA and MMA have the same strength

3. Which of the following is a significant health risk of using MMA in a poorly ventilated area?

• A. Increased nail strength
• B. Respiratory issues such as coughing and wheezing
• C. Skin moisturisation
• D. Reduced odour from products

4. Why are MMA nails more difficult to remove than EMA nails?

• A. MMA disintegrates easily with acetone
• B. MMA turns into a jelly-like consistency and is harder to break down
• C. MMA nails dissolve in water
• D. MMA doesn’t need removal with acetone

5. Which of these is a reason why some salons still use MMA despite the risks?

• A. It’s much cheaper than EMA
• B. It doesn’t require filing the natural nail
• C. It has less odour than EMA
• D. It is easier to remove than EMA

6. What happens if MMA nails are exposed to a significant impact, like slamming your hand in a door?

• A. The enhancement will break, and the natural nail stays intact
• B. The entire natural nail will likely detach from the finger
• C. The natural nail will break, and the enhancement stays intact
• D. The natural nail and enhancement will both stay intact

7. Why does MMA require more intensive preparation of the natural nail compared to EMA?

• A. MMA bonds well without any filing
• B. MMA doesn’t bond well to the natural nail without heavy filing using coarse abrasives
• C. MMA requires no filing, just buffing
• D. EMA bonds to the natural nail without any preparation

8. What is one of the key differences in how MMA and EMA affect the work environment?

• A. MMA has a much stronger and more overpowering odour
• B. EMA produces a stronger odour
• C. MMA is odourless, while EMA has a mild scent
• D. There is no significant difference in odour between MMA and EMA

9. Which of the following is true about MMA’s bonding properties compared to EMA’s?

• A. MMA bonds to the natural nail better than EMA
• B. EMA bonds more effectively and requires less filing
• C. EMA is less flexible and stronger than MMA
• D. Both MMA and EMA have the same bonding properties

10. Which of the following actions should be taken if a client comes in with MMA nails for removal?

• A. No special precautions are needed, just remove as usual
• B. Use extra time, protective gear, and ensure proper ventilation to avoid inhalation of dust and vapours
• C. Use a coarse file to speed up the removal process
• D. Avoid removing MMA nails, as they cannot be removed at all

Answers

1. B) It caused severe health risks including respiratory damage and skin irritation
2. C) MMA is much stronger than EMA, making nails harder and less flexible
3. B) Respiratory issues such as coughing and wheezing
4. B) MMA turns into a jelly-like consistency and is harder to break down
5. A) It’s much cheaper than EMA
6. B) The entire natural nail will likely detach from the finger
7. B) MMA doesn’t bond well to the natural nail without heavy filing using coarse abrasives
8. A) MMA has a much stronger and more overpowering odour
9. B) EMA bonds more effectively and requires less filing
10. B) Use extra time, protective gear, and ensure proper ventilation to avoid inhalation of dust and vapours