Air fingerprinting expertise reveals budget manicure risks

Chemists at the University have been involved in a BBC report into the use of a strong glue in nail salons.

The BBC’s Inside Out East Midlands programme has been investigating the use of methyl methacrylate (MMA), a substance banned in the United States but available in the UK, for which heath experts and Trading Standards are calling for better regulation.

Experts from our Department of Chemistry tested an air sample obtained from a nail salon by an undercover reporter to determine whether the chemical is definitely used. Research Postgraduate Iain Goodall is also interviewed about the properties of MMA and the risks of using it in a clip from the programme on the BBC website, in advance of tonight’s broadcast.

Inside Out is broadcast on BBC One East Midlands at 7.30pm on Monday 12 January and will be available on the iPlayer for 30 days afterwards.