Using nail dryers that use UV light to dry nail polish can cause cancer. This is shown by American research published on Tuesday in the journal Science Natural communication has been published.

Scientists exposed mice and human skin cells to UV radiation from nail dryers for twenty minutes. It was found that 30 percent of the cells had died.

The surviving part is DNA. This effect can be compared to melanoma, a form of skin cancer. A control group not exposed to UV light showed no cell damage.

The researchers call the study’s results “worrisome.” “UV light damages skin cells, increasing the risk of skin cancer,” they write.

However, researchers still cannot say for sure whether nail dryers cause cancer. Because this study took place in a laboratory. The cells there are more fragile and therefore more prone to damage than the skin cells on your hand. Additionally, people often only use nail dryers for a few minutes.

KWF Cancer Control says research makes it clear that using the devices is dangerous. According to the organization, it is best to control it as much as possible to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Last year, more than 23,000 people were diagnosed with skin cancer in the Netherlands. This makes it the most common form of cancer.