Nail polish has been mentioned tangentally in a number of discussions of items that are restricted from being mailed because they are considered hazardous, but so many female soldiers ask for it, I would like to address it specifically.

I am currently under the impression that nail polish cannot be mailed via USPS because it is invariably labeled as flammable. Yet it seems that a lot of people are mailing nail polish.  I seem to recall an earlier comment that suggested it was prohibited from Avaition Mail (ie, Priority), but was acceptable for gound (ie, Parcel Post).  But even if a package travels from my local PO to the FPO facility via ground, it still travels from the APO/FPO facility to the country where the soldier is serving via air, doesn't it?

If anyone can shed some light on this topic, I for one would be grateful for the enlightenment!

Free,

I don't know anything about the flammability of nail polish, but the polish remover is very flammable.

Nail polish does contain the hazardous, toxic chemicals formaldehyde, and toluene, and a chemical DBP (don't ask me to spell that one, please).  There are strict laws now in place about the handling of waste nail polish due to those toxic chemicals, and with a waste incinerator near us, there was a tanker that exploded and spilled some of its contents and it polluted a creek and killed the fish for a certain distance (can't tell you the distance).  That's all the info I have about it.  Cosmetics aren't controlled like pesticides, etc., so we are allowed to poison ourselves if we wish to do so.  The toluene is the chemical that some people use when "huffing" glue to get high or kill themselves.

Gran

Gran:

I don't know anything about the flammability of nail polish, but the polish remover is very flammable.

I noticed on a poster at the PO the other day that nail polish remover is *illegal* to mail.

Pat

USPS - Aviation Mail Security & Hazardous Materials

Went to USPS website, typed in nail polish, and it took me to this page.   

That website Sara B found also says that batteries, glue, and cleaning supplies are considered hazardous.

Do you think there is any safe way to send those items?

That guidance is a bit "simplified."  There is an old thread on Batteries under Non-Food items that includes a link to more detailed information on what is and is not prohibited:

b. Batteries. Mailable batteries include:

(1) 49 CFR identifies lithium batteries as Class 9 (Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials). Primary (non-rechargeable) lithium batteries and cells are prohibited via air transportation. Mailable batteries must be securely packaged to preclude a direct short. A strong outer packaging must be capable of firmly and securely holding the inner contents and must be clearly marked on the address side with "Surface Mail" or "Surface Mail Only." In addition, the general packaging requirements in DMM 601.1 through 601.8 apply.

(2) Common household dry-cell batteries such as sizes AA, AAA, C, D, etc. are generally not regulated as hazardous materials and therefore mailable. Mailable batteries must be removed from the device they power and protected from short circuiting. Packaging requirements in DMM 601.1 through 601.8 apply.

(3) A nonspillable wet battery containing liquid electrolyte is permitted to be mailed only if the battery casing is completely sealed to prevent the liquid corrosive from spilling during Postal Service handling, as stated in DMM 601.10.19.4. Nonspillable batteries with UN2800 are prohibited in international mail, but may be sent as domestic mail via air or surface transportation when prepared within the conditions of Packaging Instruction 8B in Appendix C.

Here is something helpful from the USPS website (not!):

Many items like perfumes and colognes, medications, nail polish, etc. are restricted items in some countries.  For mailing within the United States you can contact your mailing requirements office to determine if you can mail these items.

Further information about items restricted for mailing in the U.S. can be found in Publication 52.

I asked the postmaster about nail polish and she said it can't be mailed. She didn't say certain countries can't receive it. I assumed it's because of the flammability. Nail polish remover is strictly prohibited---no ifs, ands or buts, so I'm thinking nail polish w/o remover isn't a great gift anyway.

I simply explained to my contact who requested "all kinds of colors" of polish that it's prohibited and added, "I hope you understand. But I hope you enjoy the rest of the pedicure package."

 NOTE: I'd hate to get all the way to the PO with a care package and then find this info out. Would it be wise to ask the contacts not to request prohibited stuff? EVerything in me wants to send them everything they want. I say tell them not to ask, that way  we don't feel guilty! :)

When I mailed a box last week, the Post Master asked if I was sending perfume.  I said no and why.  He said it is extremely flammable since it contains alcohol and they will not let it be sent by airplane.  So I said well, I guess you couldn't send it overseas then.  But then I started thinking, and I wonder if you can really send mouthwash as that contains alcohol too. 

Mimi

Mimi,

We only send the non-alcohol type mouthwash.

Gran

A few weeks ago at Walgreens, I noticed they had a sort of "stick on" nail polish that can be sent. Avon also carries them and they are really cheap. It is a safe alternative to bottled nail polish and looks pretty much like the real deal. Just thought I'd pass that bit of info on.

OK - I have been obsessed with the whole nail polish issue and have done some research. There are a few companies that are now selling water based nail polish and polish removers that are non-flammable. The pricing is very varied from $5 - $15. I even saw polish remover wipes that were non-flammable as well. (sorry forgot to write down the name.)

2 names that seem to be most available are Suncoat Products & HoneyBee Gardens. HoneyNee Gardens actually has a peel off polish as well.

It seems as if more & more companies are trying to go green. So any AS junkies interested might want to check it out.

Michelle

Michelle,

It's good to hear that it is spreading, because if someone breaks out the nail polish to freshen their nails, the toluene, formaldehyde, and acetone in them can put me on the floor very quickly!  The chemicals are potent!

Gran