India, Sept. 7 -- With Europe banning a key chemical in gel nail polishes, panic has gripped manicure loyalists. But should you really be worried? Experts bust the myths and decode the facts. At the heart of the controversy is TPO (trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide), the chemical that makes gel polish last long and harden instantly under UV lamps. The EU banned TPO after animal studies suggested high doses could impact fertility. But as doctors clarify, the amounts used in nail products are much lower than those in the studies. Dr Smita Vats, Additional Director & Unit Head, OBGYN at Fortis Hospital, Manesar, explains: "European authorities banned TPO based on animal data suggesting a potential fertility risk, but the doses were much higher than what's experienced in nail applications. No direct link has been proven between gel polish with TPO and impaired human fertility." Adding a note of caution, Dr Shaily Sharma, Consultant Gynaecologist, Cloudnine, says: "Occasional use is unlikely to cause harm, but frequent, long-term exposure raises questions about cumulative effects, especially for women trying to conceive or already pregnant." Experts agree: yes. "Occasional gel manicures are generally safe for most healthy adults," says Dr Vats. Many brands now offer TPO-free gels, so those concerned can opt for safer alternatives. Overdoing gels isn't ideal anyway. "Breaks are advisable to maintain nail health, as frequent gel manicures can cause brittleness or irritation," advises Dr Vats. Alternating between gels and traditional polish or skipping a few weeks is a good practice. If you have sensitive skin, allergies, or pre-existing conditions, avoid TPO-based gels. Pregnant women or those undergoing fertility treatment are advised to choose safer, TPO-free options in line with European recommendations....