Bladder Cancer

There was a lot of media attention in latest years on a possible link between hair dye and cancer. The International Agency on Research on Cancer, a unit of the World Health Organization, stated lately that there does indeed seem to be a link between hair dyes and urinary bladder cancer. The risk appears to be minimal and the greatest risk appears to be among male barbers and hair care professionals who're subjected to considerable amounts of hair dyes on a regular basis. The greatest risk appears to be in using permanent dark coloured hair dyes. While today's hair dyes are fairly safe to use, there's still some concern for all those that used hair dyes before 1980. 

A study from Yale University found that women who started using dark hair dye before 1980 had a higher risk of non Hodgkin's lymphoma. Women who started dying their hair after 1980 didn't show such an increased risk. Why the difference? In the year 1980 the U.S. Banned the use of hair dye ingredients derived from coal tar. Those ingredients, including HC Blue 1, were found to be carcinogenic. People aged 40 and older who've dyed their hair for several years and are worried about cancer, should consult their general practitioner or oncologist. There's always a risk that toxins from a hair dye can be absorbed within the body. 

In most cases, the cancer risk is minimal. Many people believe using hair dye carries some other health threats. Bleaching one's hair might burn the hair and scalp and in extreme cases might lead to skin infections. Research has found that women who colour their hair for 20 years or more might nearly double their risk for rheumatoid arthritis. It's not clear if this is because they started with hair dyes made before 1980. Pregnant or breastfeeding women shouldn't dye their hair because their unborn kids will be 10 times less unlikely to get cancer. Their scalps itch during the time of application and days later. 

Many people can also have trouble breathing because of an allergy to the dye's ingredients. People who like to dye their hair unusual colours, like pink or blue, should be aware that these dyes contain lead acetate and coal tar, both of which can harm the body's immune and reproductive systems. Most products advise consumers to try a skin test several days prior to applying the dyes. If any adverse reaction is noticed, do not use the dye and perhaps consult a physician, depending upon the circumstances. In order to prevent most risks, experts recommend avoiding dark and permanent hair dyes. Instead use natural hair dyes that use henna or herbal\/vegetable dyes. Go to a salon that specializes in herbal, chemical free products.

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