Nail polish can be harsh on skin and nails. Acetone can also remove artificial nails made of acrylic or cured gel. A less harsh nail polish remover is ethyl acetate, which often also contains isopropyl alcohol. Ethyl acetate is usually the original solvent for nail polish itself. Acetonitrile has been used as a nail polish remover, but it is more toxic and potentially more carcinogenic than the aforementioned options. It has been banned in the European Economic Area for use in cosmetics since 17 March 2000. The health risks associated with nail polish are disputed. According to the U.S. Department of Health
Nitroethane give an oxazoline, which protonates to give a cationic surfactant. Like some other nitrated organic compounds, nitroethane is also used as a fuel additive and a precursor to explosives. Nitroethane is a useful solvent for polymers such as polystyrene and is particularly useful for dissolving cyanoacrylate adhesives. In niche applications, it has been used as a component in artificial nail remover and in overhead ceiling sealant sprays. Nitroethane has been used as a chemical feedstock in clandestine laboratories for synthesis of controlled substances such as amphetamines. Nitroethane is suspected to cause genetic damage and be harmful to the nervous system.