/oss/taxonomy/term/2217/all en /oss/article/health-you-asked/what-can-you-tell-appearance-our-nails <p>Nail discolouration can signal disease. Abnormally white fingernails may be due to anemia or kidney problems, deep blue nail beds signal pulmonary obstruction or emphysema, and yellow nails, while often a result of tobacco staining, may suggest liver problems, diabetes, respiratory disorders, problems with the lymphatic system, renal disease, syphilis, cancer or exposure to toxins.</p> Tue, 06 Nov 2012 18:11:19 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 1761 at /oss /oss/article/did-you-know/false-fingernails-have-lot-chemistry-behind-them <p>False fingernails can present problems.  Some people develop allergies to the adhesive, a variety of Crazy Glue, that is used to afix them.  This can result in breathing problems, watery eyes and congestion.  The nails are usually made of poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene), a flammable plastic  which has roughly the same flexibility and stiffness as fingernails.  At the temperature of a candle flame, this plastic can ignite in a second to produce a fiery ball of molten plastic that sticks to the finger.  So be careful with those romantic candle-light dinners.</p> Tue, 21 Feb 2017 17:49:34 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 1517 at /oss