Many do not realize that those who work directly with hair dyes have an increased risk of developing bladder, blood-related, and potentially breast cancer due to that exposure to the dye chemicals. Specifically, as found by one study in particular last year, dark hair dye has the ability to alter cells and make them more prone to cancerous growth. All in all, these results indicate that hair dye can be hazardous to human health.
In fact, research discussed by the American Cancer Society has supported a fairly consistent increased risk of bladder cancer in those who are exposed to hair dyes at work, such as barbers and hairdressers. The Society has also reported that there have been mixed results regarding a link between hair dye use and the risk of blood-related cancers such as lymphoma and leukemia; some studies indicating that there is an increased risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma and leukemia, particularly in those who used darker hair dyes prior to 1980.
Expert Agencies on Hair Dye
Expert agencies have found these links through additional studies. For example, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has concluded that workplace exposure (through being a hairdresser or barber) is most likely carcinogenic to people, based on the data concerning bladder cancer. The National Toxicology Program has also classified certain chemicals used in hair dyes as “reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens.”
Some doctors advise women who are pregnant—in particular—from dying their hair, at least until after the first trimester, as not enough is known about the safe use of hair dye during pregnancy to know (for sure) whether it could be an issue. The rest of the population should ensure to read all “warning” labels and do a patch test before exposing all of their hair to hair dye. In addition, they warn that you should never use hair dye on your eyebrows or eyelashes—as there is a chance that you could go blind during the process—and be sure to wear gloves any time you are handling hair dye products.
What about Regulations?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the safety of hair dyes; however, they cannot approve each ingredient before it goes on the market, thus the overall responsibility falls on the industry itself, which is, arguably, not always beneficial to human health, as industry is usually only concerned with bottom line profits. Often the FDA can only take action once products are already found to be harmful or mislabeled (and humans have already been harmed themselves). The FDA also can’t require that a product be recalled, only request it, but they can get the courts to intervene.
Environmental Hazard & Cancer Attorneys
Although our federal agencies are charged with ensuring that any and all products put on the market are safe for our use, often, due to loopholes in laws and regulations, that is not possible, and people are exposed to and harmed by carcinogenic products.
If you are concerned that you have developed cancer as a result of a product you purchased or a workplace exposure issue, contact environmental attorneys of Harrell & Nowak for help. We serve communities in New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, and throughout Louisiana.