What's happening
This bill bans the manufacture, sale, and use of nail products containing dibutyl phthalates, toluene, or formaldehyde in New York.
Why it matters
Protects worker and consumer health. By banning DBP, toluene, and formaldehyde in nail products, the bill addresses exposure to chemicals linked to respiratory problems, skin disorders, reproductive harm, and increased cancer risk—especially for nail salon workers and frequent users.
Impacts industry practices. Manufacturers, distributors, and nail salons in New York will need to reformulate or replace products, potentially increasing costs but also spurring innovation in safer alternatives.
Creates enforceable standards. The law makes it explicitly illegal to use or sell nail products with these chemicals, providing clear guidelines for inspections and penalties, which could encourage better compliance and oversight in the personal care industry.
Signals broader regulatory trends. As New York is a major market, this ban could influence product standards nationally, and may set a precedent for other states or for federal action on toxic chemicals in cosmetics.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Ban Toxic Nail Polish Chemicals
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
2 Co-sponsors
History
- Referred to economic development
- Referred to economic development
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
1114
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 14, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. L. ROSENTHAL, ROZIC, GOTTFRIED -- read once and referred to the Committee on Economic Development
AN ACT to amend the general business law, in relation to prohibiting the manufacture, distribution or sale of nail polish and nail hardener containing dibutyl phthalates (DBP), toluene, and formaldehyde and prohibits the use of such nail polish and nail hardener by appearance enhancement businesses
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The general business law is amended by adding a new section 399-tt to read as follows:
§ 399-tt. Manufacture, distribution, sale and use of nail polish or nail hardener containing dibutyl phthalates (DBP), toluene, and formaldehyde prohibited. 1. The following substances shall be prohibited in the manufacture, distribution and sale of nail polish or nail hardener:
(a) dibutyl phthalates (DBP);
(b) toluene; and
(c) formaldehyde.
2. It shall be unlawful for appearance enhancement businesses to use nail polish or nail hardener containing:
(a) dibutyl phthalates (DBP);
(b) toluene; or
(c) formaldehyde.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD02509-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.