What is MMA?
Methyl Methacrylate is an ingredient that was commonly used in early "nail porcelains."
In the early 1970’s, the Food and Drug Administration received numerous complaints of personal
injuries associated with the use of acrylic monomer formulated with MMA. The reports included serious
nail damage or loss, contact dermatitis, organ damage from long term use, soreness and infection due to
breaks caused by rigidly adhered acrylic.
HOW CAN I TELL?
Since MMA is prohibited, you are unlikely to find it on the ingredient label. Still it is usually not difficult to tell if a
product contains MMA. Here are three simple things to watch for:
1. Unusually strong or strange odor which doesn't smell like other acrylic liquids.
2. Enhancements which are extremely hard and very difficult to file even with coarse abrasives.
3. Enhancements that will not soak off in solvents designed to remove acrylics.
Discount pricing can also be an indicator of MMA usage. MMA costs several times less than EMA.
The last sign in the list above is the most important indicator. Nail technicians who come across artificial nails
made with MMA-containing ingredients are usually surprised to hear how difficult it is to remove the product. The
only way to remove the products is by filing with a very coarse abrasive or drills, which usually results in further
damage to the client's nail plates and nail beds.
What are the health risks associated with MMA products?
MMA-related complaints range from skin allergies to permanent loss of the nail plate. Here are the most common
complaints that prompted the FDA to take action:
Respiratory problems and eye, nose and throat irritation.
MMA vapors are toxic even in small doses and can cause lung, liver and heart valve damage, especially with long term
exposure. This has been documented in laboratory animals as well as in lab technicians from dental labs where crowns
and dentures are made. Wearing a mask does nothing to prevent inhalation of MMA fumes. Masks only reduce the
inhalation of acrylic dust.
Permanent Nail Deformities
The small molecular structure of MMA makes it possible for it to be absorbed through even unbroken skin. It can also
actually do permanent damage to the matrix of the nail and further absorb into the body. While MMA will not store in the
tissue, it is stored as methanol in the blood and urine.
Severe Allergic Reactions
Repeated exposure to products containing MMA can result in severe allergic reactions. Redness, swelling and itching are
common symptoms which can lead to the development of tiny blisters around the cuticles and fingertips. These blisters
can develop into open sores, and the fingertips may become numb or feel itchy under the nail.
Indications that MMA has been used on you:
• Operators Most Often Wear Masks (FDA has deemed this substance poisonous)
• Drill Use should never be damaging or painful. Drills are always used with MMA.
• Operators/Owners/Management are secretive about product brand names
• Distinctly different odor from regular nail acrylic
• Usually low service pricing (MMA Liquid costs $20 a gallon. Industry approved Acrylic Liquid cost $200 a gallon)
• Artificial Surface will not release under extreme pressure (MMA nails rarely lift or break and will take the nail plate off
the nail bed if enough pressure is applied to break it.)
Other Important Factors to Consider when choosing a Salon
• All operators must be licensed and the license should be visibly posted
• Proper Sanitation Methods should be used
• Inquires should be answered in a professional and educated manner
Salons using MMA will probably not inform you of the potential dangers. We the professional salons in your area want you, the consumer to understand the importance of this issue.