👉 Nail fumes, also known as nail polish fumes or solvent fumes, are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released when nail polish is applied, dried, or sanded. These chemicals, primarily from the solvents used in nail polish removers and the adhesives in nail polishes, can evaporate into the air, creating a potentially harmful indoor air quality issue. Common fumes include toluene, xylene, and acetone, which are known to be irritants and can cause respiratory issues, headaches, dizziness, and even long-term health effects with prolonged exposure. Ventilation is crucial in nail rooms to mitigate these risks, and using low-VOC or water-based polishes can further reduce the emission of harmful fumes.