Study links hair dyes to cancer

Cancer-causing compounds found in hair dyes

Researchers have found more evidence that hair dyes can cause cancer.

Cancer-causing compounds found in hair dyes

Those who regularly dye their hair have a higher risk of developing lymphoma and other forms of cancers, a European study involving nearly 5,000 women found.

They said people frequently exposed to permanent dyes, especially hair salon workers, should be aware of the risk and check for abnormal lumps.

Hairdressers and people who have used hair dyes a lot in the past should be alert and look for abnormal lumps and bumps. Professor Gordon McVie of the European Institute of Oncology

Lymphomas are cancers of the lymphatic system, a network of vessels which form part of the body's immune system, and carry other infection-fighting cells called "lymphocytes", as well as draining dead cells away from the tissues.

The authors from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, presented their findings at the International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma.

Among women who regularly used hair dye, their risk of developing lymphoma was increased by 20% compared to women who had never dyed their hair.

About one third of women in Europe and North America, along with 10% of men older than 40 years, use some type of hair dye, it is estimated.

Mounting evidence

Professor Paolo Boffetta said: "The evidence is growing that permanent dyes are related to lymphoma."

He said a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association also identified a link between lymphoma and hair dyes.

Professor Franco Cavalli, chairman of the conference, said: "In the last 20 years the frequency of lymphoma has doubled in the western world."

"While viruses and other infectious agents have possibly played a role in this epidemic, scientists have since long suspected that other chemicals could be involved."

Failure Of The Industry

The Cancer Research Society has responded by advising consumers not to use the products until further research has been completed.

Most concerns surround dark-colored, permanent dyes used every four to six weeks.

Scientists are particularly worried about two chemical ingredients, para-phenylenediamine and tetrahydro-6-nitroquinoxaline.

These chemicals have been shown to damage the body's genetic material, and to cause cancer.

Isn't it amazing that products should have such wide gaps in their toxicological requirements… but be on sale? Ian White, MD

It is not the first time that fears have been raised about the safety of permanent hair dyes, which have previously been linked to arthritis and damage to unborn children.

Commenting on the failure of the industry to provide necessary information, Dr Ian White, head of the committee, was quoted as saying: "They have not provided ample information that the dye is safe.

"Isn't it amazing that products should have such wide gaps in their toxicological requirements but be on sale?”

Bladder risk

A study by the University of Southern California found women who used permanent hair dyes at least once a month were up to three times more likely to develop bladder cancer.

The researchers also found that long-serving hairdressers were also at increased risk.

This study proving an increased frequency of cancers in women who used hair dye over many years, is therefore very important.

Professor Gordon McVie, senior consultant at the European Institute of Oncology, said: "It is a large enough study to raise concern.”

"Hairdressers and people who have used hair dyes a lot in the past should be alert and look out for any abnormal lumps and bumps."

Source: BBC News