Did you know that many of the hair products you use contain harmful toxins? Several potentially harmful ingredients are found in shampoo and other products for your hair. These toxins may cause various health problems or even cancer. When choosing hair products, some toxins to avoid are parabens, acrylamide, 1, 4-Dioxane and selenium sulfide.
Hair Products Containing Parabens
Parabens are frequently used in hair care products as preservatives, because they inhibit the growth of microbes. Though able to make shampoo last longer, parabens could increase your chances of getting breast cancer. The United States Food and Drug Administration cites a 2004 investigation published in the "Journal of Applied Toxicology," which found concentrations of parabens in breast cancer tumors. The FDA, however, asserts that parabens have less estrogenic effects than naturally produced estrogen and considers them safe in low concentrations.
Hair Products Containing Acrylamide
Acrylamide is a toxin found in hair care products, foods, tobacco smoke and other items. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, acrylamide is likely to cause cancer in humans. The EPA based this assumption on animal testing, which found an increased rate of tumors occurring in animals chronically exposed to acrylamide. In addition, human and animal investigations discovered a link between continuous and acute exposure of acrylamide---through inhalation and skin contact---and neurological problems. Further conditions such as allergies, irritation of the skin, eyes and lungs and organ system toxicity may be attributed to acrylamide, according to evidence obtained by the Environmental Working Group. Though strongly believed to be a human carcinogen, there is little evidence to support the relation of human cancer to acrylamide, says the EPA.
Hair Products Containing 1,4-Dioxane
1,4-Dioxane is a toxic substance used as a solvent in products including shampoos. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that even a trace amount of 1,4-dioxane could be harmful. Based on observations of 1,4-dioxane's cancerous effects in animals, it is reasonable to assume that it probably causes cancer in humans as well, states the National Toxicology Program. Scientists found that rats and guinea pigs given 1,4-dioxane in their drinking water developed various cancers. However, the NTP says that inadequate evidence exists to prove the carcinogenic effects of 1, 4-dioxide on humans.
Hair Products Containing Selenium Sulfide
Selenium sulfide is an ingredient used in dandruff shampoos. Animal investigations involving mice indicate that selenium sulfide is a carcinogen; therefore, the National Toxicology Program surmises that selenium sulfide may cause cancer in humans. Investigations found that mice given oral selenium sulfide developed tumors. When a combination of anti-dandruff shampoo and 2.5 percent selenium sulfide was applied topically, however, no cancerous effects were observed. The NTP states that the lack of cancer found in these mice cannot be considered conclusive due to their short life spans. While evidence suggests selenium sulfide is a probable human carcinogen, there is insufficient evidence to provide a definite connection between human cancer and selenium sulfide, according to the NTP.
Member Comments