It's spring, and -- despite some cooler days here and there -- 'tis the season for sandals and pretty toes. While I enjoy chewing on my fingernails way too much to ever bother with a manicure, I've been a pedi addict for the past five years or so, despite knowing that nail polish (not to mention remover!) has some pretty serious toxins in it. Formaldehyde, tolulene and dibutyl phthalate, or DBP, are the top three baddies commonly found in nail polish and removers. And DBP is notable for having been found in animal tests to be a reproductive toxin that gets stored in the body.

While tests on humans have found that we all carry DBP around within us, women have more of the stuff in their bodies than men; the theory is that it's because women use so many cosmetics that contain it. These chemicals are not so good for your health (especially if you're pregnant, or thinking of becoming pregnant), and think of the pedicurist (likely a woman) who is exposed to the stuff all day, every day.

But, I love my pedicures. So I was thrilled to discover that Priti Organic Salon (35 E. 1st St. near 1st Ave.) has come to the rescue. Priti offers manicures & pedicures (along with other spa services including waxing, facials and massages) using only organic essential oils, scrubs and washes, along with fresh flowers and polishes that don't contain any of the above-mentioned chemicals, The "Deep" pedicure ($35), which was over 30 minutes long, included lots of leg and foot massage alternating with foot scrubs, buffing, and of course, a great polish job that has lasted almost two weeks so far. If you're short on time and/or money, a "Simple" pedi is only $20.

If you do your own pedicure (I always to make a ridiculous mess of this, but maybe you're more coordinated than I am), check out the Whole Foodson 95 East Houston Street (between Bowery and Chrystie Streets). It has a gorgeous cosmetics section upstairs that includes several lines of non-toxic nail polish.

If you want to use up your existing polish, you can check out the Environmental Working Group's report on nail polishes to see what's in yours.

Thanks for the report back, Starre. Lovely toes!

Polish lovers can also note that the major manufacturers -- Orly, OPI, and Sally Hansen -- have already or soon will be selling formulas in the US that are phthalate-free.

Posted by: Emily Gertz on May 10, 2007 4:30 PM

Please note that, while disagreement is fine, insults and abuse are not, and will result in the comment being deleted and a likely ban from commenting.