|
|
Article: How safe is your hair dye?; Health & Fitness: If henna is a risk, what about the other chemicals...
- Article from:
- The Evening Standard (London, England)
- Article date:
- October 15, 2002
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2002 Solo Syndication Limited. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
Byline: ALICE HART-DAVIS
IT has been used for so many centuries that it was thought to be harmless. Henna, which enhances the colour of dark hair, is one of the oldest known cosmetics. But scientists have found that a component, naturally occurring lawsone, is highly toxic.
This research comes shortly after a European Union watchdog said that some hair dyes - linked to bladder cancer and rheumatoid arthritis - were unsafe, and advised concerned consumers to stop using them.
So what are the chemicals that cause concern?
PPD (para-phenylenediamine)
This chemical is the main source of concern. It is found in dark hair dyes - ...