|
Dangerous Dyes
By Hwaa Irfan 13/07/2001
Since the West discovered it, mass production chemical hair dyes have superseded natural products in the hair color market. In addition, many "natural" products now have chemical additions intended to "enhance" the strength and staying power of the dye (Epstein, p.25). However, researchers are finding that people who use chemical dyes in their hair are at in increased risk of developing cancers, especially of the bladder. A number of other health problems can also be related to hair dyes because of their high content of toxic ingredients.
Researchers at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California (USC) recently found that there is an increased risk of cancer that can be attributed to the use of permanent dyes. They interviewed 1,514 bladder cancer patients in Los Angeles and compared them with 1,514 other people who lived in the same neighborhood. The participant's health, lifestyle and occupations were a major focus of the study. In the end, it was found that women who regularly colored their hair with permanent dyes, as well as hair stylists who worked with these chemicals, were at greater risk of developing bladder cancer. Even after accounting for cigarette smoking, women who used permanent dyes at least once a month for one year or longer had twice the risk of bladder cancer than non-users. The study is published in this February's International Journal of Cancer and was led by Manuela Gago-Dominguez, a researcher in Preventative Medicine (USC, p.1).
The chemical constituents of permanent hair dyes and tints are naphytylamine, phenylene diamines, silver, mercury, lead, arsenic, bismuth, pyrogallol
and denatured alcohol (Yahoo Health, p.1). Bismuth is used for shotgun pellets and has been linked to disorders of the nervous system (Adam, p.1).
Naphytylamine is a member of a family of chemicals known as arylamines. It and its derivatives are used in toning prints made with cerium salts, in acidic herbicides, as a rubber antioxidant and as a rodenticide (Spectrum, p.1). In one manufacturing plant that distills
naphytylamine, all 15 workers developed bladder cancer. Diamines are toxic by inhalation or ingestion and can be absorbed through the skin in doses high enough to cause toxicity. They are eye and skin irritants and
contact dermatitis may develop from repeated exposure (Ellis, p.1).
Silver nitrate is a poisonous, colorless compound that darkens when exposed to light in the presence of organic matter and is used in photography, mirror manufacturing, and external medicine, in addition to hair-dyes (Readers Digest, p.1411). It has been a popular germicide since American settlers going on long journeys in wagon trains in the 1800s began to place silver and copper coins in barrels of water to keep algae from growing in the casks (Bellecci, p.1).
Even though the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), in 1999, declared that "all over-the-counter drug products containing colloidal silver or silver salts are not recognized as safe and effective and are misbranded." (Bellecci, p.1,2). It was due to the unpleasant toxicity of silver poisoning (argyria) that their popularity in the treatment of infections declined amongst physicians. Deposits that remain in the skin tissue leave the patient with a dark gray death-like appearance that is actually permanent (Bellecci, p.1).
The chemicals in hair dyes can be absorbed into the body through a hair protein called keratin. Keratin is the protein make-up of hair containing large amounts of sulfur. Hair analysts believe the sulfur attaches itself to minerals - both harmful and beneficial - that are held in the hair and that the subsequent exposure to these chemicals is widespread. More than one in three women over 18 and one in ten men over 40 - throughout Europe, North America and Japan - use some type of hair coloring, with permanent dyes counting for three-fourths of the global usage.
Most hair dyes are chemically similar - whether they are tints, rinses or colors. However, there is one popular dye that does not naturally contain chemicals -
henna (Lockie & Geddes, p.178). Natural to many Muslims and native to the East Indies and North Africa, the henna plant (Lawsonia Inerinus) is the mother of hair dyes (Gurudas, p.141). It varies in effect, depending on where it grows. Moroccan henna is the lightest in color, while Iranian henna is the richest and probably the most expensive. The leaves are dried then crushed into a fine powder and mixed with water (Harris, p.48).
Medicinally, it has been used for jaundice, smallpox, headaches and skin problems. But generally, it has a bond with the hair structure as it serves to penetrate, cleanse and thicken the hair shafts (Gurudas, p.163 - 164). The following is a recipe by the World Beauty Book:
1) Empty the required quantity of henna into a stain-proof bowl.
2) Add enough warm water to produce a thick muddy consistency. Add lemon juice, which brings out the natural color of henna and mix to a muddy consistency. For a richer color, simmer the concoction on a very low heat, stirring continuously.
3) While the mixture cools down, apply Vaseline to the neck, ears, hairline and hands to prevent staining these areas. Apply the henna to damp hair.
4) Rinse off after 4 hours
5) Then, shampoo and condition.
According to the Tadhib ul-Islam, it is makruh (disliked) for both men and women to apply dye in the state of
janabat (impurity); but otherwise it is considered mustahab (recommended) for men to dye their hair and beard (P.E.T).
Sources:
Adam, David. "Toxic Shot
Syndrome." Science Update. 07/05/01.
Bellecci, Pauline, M. "Colloidal Silver - Safe or Scam?" The Natural Connection.net. 07/05/01.
Gurudas. "The Spiritual Properties of Herbs. " US: Cassandra Press. 1988.
Gurudas. "Flower Essences and Vibrational Healing." US: Cassandra Press. 1989.
Ellis, Roy C. "Safety Data
-D." Primus. 07/05/01.
Epstein, Dr. Samuel S. "Cancer Alert for Toiletries and Cosmetics." Cadecus. Issue 48, 2001.
Harris, Jessica B. "The World Beauty Book." San Francisco: Harper Collins. 1995
Lockie, Andrew & Geddes, Nicola. "The Womens' Guide to Homeopathy." UK: Hamish Hamilton. 1992.
P.E.T. "Tadhib ul Islam: Perfection and Reinement in Style of Living According to Islamic Teachings." Pakistan: Mahomed Ebrahim Trust. 1995.
Readers Digest. "Alternative Medicine." Britain: Readers Digest Association. 1994
Readers Digest. "Universal Dictionary." Britain: Readers Digest Association. 1987.
USC. "Study Finds Use of Permanent Hair Dyes Tied to Increased Risk of
Cancer." ScienceDaily Magazine. 07/05/01.
Vineis, Paolo. "Epidemiology of Cancer from Exposure to Arylamines." Environmental Health Perspectives. 07/05/01.
Yahoo Health. "Hair Dyes & Tints: Definition." Yahoo Health. 07/05/01.
|
