Global Health Asia-Pacific September 2020 September 2020 | Page 69
safety of commercial hair dye products, most still
contain toxic chemicals such as Quaternium-15 that
can release formaldehyde, a known carcinogen,
Alkylphenol ethoxylates (A��s), a hormone disruptor,
and �henylenediamine (��D), a skin and respiratory
irritant that’s been classified in the �uropean Union
as toxic and dangerous to the environment. Research
has also shown that ��D can lead to cancer when
combined with hydrogen peroxide. This highly toxic
chemical causes methemoglobinemia, a condition that
restricts oxygen and causes the skin to turn a bluish/
grey colour.
Commercial hair dye may also contain lead
Lead is also frequently used in hair dye. It seems
unimaginable that it’s still being used today since the
scientific community has been telling us for years
that lead is deadly and, the darker your hair dye, the
more likely it is to contain lead. Also look for the word
‘acetate’ in the list of ingredients and avoid it at all
costs.
If you’re pregnant, avoid dyeing your hair. A
growing foetus is vulnerable at any stage, so it’s not
worth the risk. �verything that you consume, whether
orally or through the skin, trickles down to your unborn
baby, and chemicals can have a devastating effect.
Most noteworthy, leukaemia is frequently linked to
chemicals in hair dyes.
Be aware! Be conscious of other toxic chemical
haircare ingredients:
Imidazolidinyl urea and DMDM hydantoin
Imidazolidinyl urea and DMDM hydantoin release
formaldehyde, an ingredient used by morticians to
preserve corpses. In addition, these chemicals are
used, along with parabens, to preserve skin, body,
and hair products. The longer they fester on shelves,
the more harmful they become. With time, these toxic
compounds release formaldehyde which also irritates
the skin and weakens the immune system.
If all this wasn’t scary enough, these chemicals
are also linked to a myriad of other diseases and
health problems. These include allergies, chest pain,
chronic fatigue, depression, dizziness, ear infections,
headaches, joint pain, loss of sleep, and even cancer.
The American Academy of Dermatology found that
they’re a primary cause of contact dermatitis.
Polyethene glycol (PEG 12) increases cancer
risks
This synthetic chemical is found in many cosmetics,
cleansers, conditioners, oven cleaners, and
humectants. It’s also often used as a thickening agent
in shampoos as it can dissolve oil and grease build-up
on hair.
chemical is found in toothpaste, cosmetics, soap,
body washes, hair products, cleaning products,
hand sanitisers, plastics, and even children’s toys.
In fact, it is found in so many everyday products that
it’s incredibly hard not to be exposed to it. Triclosan
is registered as a pesticide by the US �nvironmental
�rotection Agency, which means it’s highly toxic to
most living organisms.
It’s also classified as a chlorophenol, which is in the
same class as other cancer-causing chemicals. This
toxic chemical has many worrying side effects linked
to it, including paralysis, suppression of the immune
system, brain haemorrhages, and heart problems. It
can also affect our hormones, sexual function, and
fertility. Recent studies found a link between the use of
Triclosan and the disruption of the endocrine system
in animals. Other research studies have indicated
that this chemical helps create antibiotic-resistant
bacteria.
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) can remove
protective barrier from your scalp and skin (and
baby skin)
SLS is a synthetic ingredient that creates lather and
suds in your shampoo – but that’s pretty much the
only ‘good’ thing about it. This chemical is corrosive
and can remove the protective layer of our skin. This
compound is associated with eye irritation, skin
rashes, hair loss, and liver problems. This chemical
should never be applied to your body. Unfortunately,
most hair products contain SLS.
If you’re
pregnant,
avoid dyeing
your hair.
A growing
foetus is
vulnerable at
any stage, so
it’s not worth
the risk
PHOTO: NAVEDA
Toxic chemical Triclosan’s worrying side
effects such as paralysis and heart problems
Triclosan is a synthetic antibacterial agent. This
Scalp analysis
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