Dangers of Acrylic Piercing

In many places, like Hot Topic or Claire's, you will find a vast array of novelty jewelry. Most, if not all of these, are created from acrylic. Now, many people do not know just how dangerous acrylic is, nor why it could be so bad for you. Why would these stores sell it if these earrings could be so bad for you? Well, I don't know why they would, but I can assure you that anything acrylic is poor quality and should never be worn.

First off, what is acrylic? It is a synthetic, plastic material that is quite porous. It is made for paints, some clothes, novelty jewelry (beyond piercings, also necklaces and bracelets, this is most costume jewelry), and a variety of other products. Normally it is quite inexpensive and means low quality. This does not count in the field of paint so much (oil is of higher quality, but acrylic paint is still a viable field), but in all others its a material best left away from your body.

Now, what are the dangers? These do not so much apply if you wear them for a very short, limited time. However, prolonged exposure, especially without proper management and cleaning, can have disastrous results.

Due to its porous nature, there is a high chance of infection crawling into the earring and thereby infecting you. This can occur with other high quality porous material, such as bone and horn, but there is a MUCH lower chance, especially if you clean it. Acrylic however is prone to these infections.

Not only that, but as a low quality material, it can't stand up to being in your body for a long time. What happens is the acrylic (according to onetribe.com) reacts with your skin, and begins breaking down skin tissue. Toxic fumes and dangerous chemicals release from this process, and can lead to further infection as it is absorbed by your skin.

Do yourself a favor, and never wear acrylic jewelry. While temporary use is alright, you need to use higher quality material as your primary jewelry. This includes metals such as silver, gold, and surgical grade steel. Glass is great, especially if you are going up in size or right after being pierced. Stones like lapis lazuli, ruby and sapphire. And of course bone and horn. Never use acrylic or other poor quality materials (like screws, I have seen it done, and unless you want tetanus or other diseases you should stay away from them). Be smart, and keep yourself healthy.
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Dangers of acrylic piercings and better materials is listed here: http://www.onetribe.nu/faqs/11