Hair Dye Use Research Articles

Hair Product Use and Ovarian Cancer Risk

Abstract Purpose. We evaluated whether hair products, including many known to contain carcinogens and endocrine disrupting chemicals, are related to incident ovarian cancer in a large prospective cohort. Methods. After excluding women with a history of ovarian cancer or bilateral oophorectomy, 40,559 Sister Study participants were included. Participants were aged 35–74 and had a sister with breast cancer but no history of breast cancer themselves at enrollment in 2003–2009. Participants completed questionnaires on frequency of hair product use (including hair dyes, straighteners/relaxers and hair permanents/body waves) in the 12 months prior to enrollment. Cox regression models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) for the association between hair product type and frequency of use in relation to incident ovarian cancer. We also assessed models stratified by tumor type (serous, non-serous). Results. After a mean of 10 years of follow-up, 241 women had self-reported an incident ovarian cancer diagnosis. Ever use of hair products in the past year (including permanent, semi-permanent and temporary hair dyes, straighteners/relaxers, and hair permanents/body waves) was not associated with a higher risk of ovarian cancer. However, frequent use (>4 times) of straighteners/relaxers in the past year was positively associated with ovarian cancer (HR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.27–4.73). This association was stronger for non-serous (HR = 4.25, 95% CI: 1.07–16.9) compared to serous (HR = 1.38, 95% CI:0.47–4.04) ovarian cancers. Ever use of permanent hair dye was positively associated with non-serous (HR = 1.91, 95% CI, 1.10–3.33), but inversely associated with serous (HR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.43–0.98) ovarian cancer (p-for-heterogeneity = 0.002). Conclusion. These results suggest that frequent use of hair straighteners/relaxers and possibly permanent hair dye may be positively associated with the occurrence of non-serous ovarian cancers.

Epidemiology of Marginal Zone Lymphoma.

In 2016 there were an estimated 7,460 newly diagnosed patients with marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) in the US, which comprised 7% of all mature non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL). Based on data from the US SEER-18 program from 2001-2017, the age-standardized incidence rate for MZL was 19.6 per 1,000,000 person-years; 9% of MZL cases were splenic MZL (SMZL), 30% nodal MZL (NMZL), and 61% extranodal MZL (EMZL) of mucusa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). Incidence rates were slightly higher in men for SMZL and NMZL, but similar for EMZL, and increased steeply with age for all MZL subtypes. The incidence (age-standardized per 1,000,000) of MZL was highest among non-Hispanic whites (20.7), followed by Hispanics of all races (17.6), non-Hispanic blacks (15.4), and Asian/Pacific islanders (15.0). The incidence of MZL increased +1.0% per year in the US from 2001-2017, with increases reported in other countries during this timeframe. The 5-year relative survival rate for MZL in the US was 89.8% and was similar across racial/ethnic groups and by sex; survival rates have been increasing in the US and other countries. Established risk factors for MZL (or MZL subtypes) include family history of NHL, genetic loci in the HLA region, Helicobacter pylori infection (gastric MALT lymphoma), and several autoimmune diseases (Sjögren syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus and Hashimoto thyroiditis), with strong (but not definitive) evidence for Chlamydia psittaci (ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma), Borrelia burgdorferi (cutaneous MZL), hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus, and solid organ transplantation. Promising risk factors that require additional study include other infections, other autoimmune conditions, trichloroethylene exposure, certain occupations, hair dye, cigarette smoking, sun exposure (protective), and alcohol use (protective). MZL is a model of an antigen-driven malignancy, where epidemiologic risk factors, tissue-specific factors, and host immune response (including the impact of chronic inflammation and immunosuppression) drive lymphomagenesis with implications for prevention.

Hair chemicals may increase breast cancer risk: A meta-analysis of 210319 subjects from 14 studies.

BackgroundThe association between personal hair dye use and breast cancer risk is currently debated. The aim of this work is to investigate the association between the use of hair care products and breast cancer risk in women.MethodsBased on the PRISMA-IPD statement, the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, OVID and Scopus databases were used to identify eligible studies published from inception to 22 April 2020. A pooled odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidential interval (CI) was calculated to assess this correlation via fixed- or random-effect Mantel-Haenszel models using a heterogeneity Chi2 test with a significance level of p<0.1. All statistical tests were performed using StataSE software (version 12.0).ResultsThe analyzed data comprised 14 eligible studies with 210319 unique subjects. The pooled results suggested that there was a significant association between the use of hair dyes and breast cancer occurrence (pooled OR = 1.07; 95% CI, 1.01–1.13). Regarding the individual analysis regarding the different types of hair chemicals, permanent hair dye users (pooled OR = 1.08; 95% CI, 1.03–1.14) and rinse users (pooled OR = 1.17; 95% CI, 1.02–1.35) were both found to have a significantly elevated breast cancer risk compared to natural hair subjects, whereas there was an insignificant relationship between the use of semipermanent hair dyes (pooled OR = 1.09; 95% CI, 0.92–1.28) and straighteners (pooled OR = 1.04; 95% CI, 0.96–1.14) and breast cancer risk. No impact on the overall correlation between hair dyes and breast cancer risk due to race (White vs non-White) (pooled OR = 1.05; 95% CI, 0.86–1.29), timing of use (<10 years vs ≥10 years) (pooled OR = 0.96; 95% CI, 0.85–1.08) or dye color (Darker than natural hair vs Lighter than natural hair) (pooled OR = 0.91; 95% CI, 0.62–1.32) was found.ConclusionsChemicals in hair dyes may play a role in breast carcinogenesis and increase breast cancer risk.

When your breath dyes away

Introduction&#x0D; The use of hair dye for deliberate self-harm is seen in many parts of the world. Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) is the main constituent of hair dye formulations and is found to be highly toxic. The other constituents are resorcinol, propylene glycol, sodium ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid, preservatives and perfume. Clinical features of PPD poisoning include severe cervicofacial odema, chocolate colored urine, oliguria and shock. Management is mainly supportive and there are no specific antidotes. &#x0D; Case report&#x0D; A young lady was brought to ED with complains of sudden onset swelling of chin, neck and tongue. She was sitting upright with hoarseness of voice. She had edema over her chin and lower half of face extending to the neck. The tongue was hard and edematous. As her symptoms worsened she asked for a piece of paper to write and wrote “VASOMOL”, which is a brand name for the hair dye containing paraphenelyenediamine. &#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; The difficult airway management is an essential skill needed for the emergency physician. Hair dye poisoning has been known to cause severe angioneurotic odema. Ours is a case of PPD poisoning which presented with life threatening airway odema. We followed the ABCD assessment and on determining the need for airway control, we planned a surgical airway immediately.

Adolescent use of hair dyes, straighteners and perms in relation to breast cancer risk.

Hair products can contain hormonally active and carcinogenic compounds. Adolescence may be a period of enhanced susceptibility of the breast tissue to exposure to chemicals. We therefore evaluated associations between adolescent hair product use and breast cancer risk. Sister Study participants (ages 35-74 years) who had completed enrollment questionnaires (2003-2009) on use of hair dyes, straighteners/relaxers and perms at ages 10 to 13 years (N = 47 522) were included. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for associations between hair products and incident breast cancer (invasive cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ), with consideration of heterogeneity by menopausal status and race/ethnicity. Over an average of 10 years of follow-up, 3380 cases were diagnosed. Frequent use of straighteners and perms was associated with a higher risk of premenopausal (HR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.26-3.55 and HR = 1.55, 95% CI: 0.96-2.53, respectively) but not postmenopausal breast cancer (HR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.76-1.30 and HR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.89-1.35, respectively). Permanent hair dye use during adolescence was uncommon (<3%) and not associated with breast cancer overall (HR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.78-1.20), though any permanent dye use was associated with a higher risk among black women (HR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.01-3.11). Although frequency of use of perms (37% non-Hispanic white vs 9% black) and straighteners (3% non-Hispanic white vs 75% black) varied by race/ethnicity, associations with breast cancer did not. Use of hair products, specifically perms and straighteners, during adolescence may be associated with a higher risk of premenopausal breast cancer.

Abstract PO-181: Associations of characteristics of hair dye and relaxer use with tumor clinicopathologic features among Black and White women with breast cancer

Abstract Introduction: In our previous findings from the Women’s Circle of Health Study (WCHS), we observed statistically significant associations between use of hair dye and relaxer, which contain potentially mutagenic and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and increased breast cancer risk. In the current analysis, we sought to expand upon our earlier findings by assessing associations between hair product use and breast tumor clinicopathology. Methods: Risk factor data (including characteristics of hair product use) were collected through in-person interviews, and tumor clinicopathology data were abstracted from available pathology records of 2,998 breast cancer cases (2,227 Black, 771 White). Associations between hair product use and tumor clinicopathology were analyzed using multivariable-adjusted, binomial and multinomial logistic regression models. Further analysis was performed in subsets by race and estrogen receptor (ER) status. Results: Numerous characteristics of hair product use were associated with more aggressive tumor features. Longer (&amp;gt;10 years) use of relaxers and earlier exposure to relaxers (≤12 years old at first use) were associated with increased odds of poorly differentiated tumors (OR 2.15, 95% CI: 1.08-4.28 and OR 2.00, 95% CI: 1.05-3.82, respectively). History of regular relaxer use (OR 1.51, 95% CI: 1.23-1.87) and dual use of both hair dyes and relaxers (OR 1.40, 95% CI: 1.02-1.92) were associated with increased odds of ER- status. Compared to sole salon application, utilization of both salon and home- kit application types for hair dyes was associated with increased odds of higher tumor grade (moderately differentiated: OR 1.74, 95% CI: 1.05-2.87; poorly differentiated: OR 2.52, 95% CI: 1.51-4.20). These associations were consistent among Black, but not White, women. Combination use of salon and home-kit relaxer application types was associated with increased odds of tumors &amp;gt;2.0 cm (OR 1.88, 95% CI: 1.27-2.77). Conclusions: While recent research has supported a connection between hair product use and breast cancer risk, this is the first study to examine the associations of hair product use with breast tumor features. Our findings showed that certain characteristics, particularly the magnitude of exposure to these products and application types of hair dye and relaxer, are associated with tumor features that are indicative of more aggressive phenotypes, including higher grade and ER- status. These findings generate new hypotheses about the potential impact of hair product use on breast cancer outcomes, warranting further study. Citation Format: Rohan Rao, Jasmine A. McDonald, Emily S. Barrett, Dede Teteh, Susanne Montgomery, Bo Qin, Yong Lin, Chi-Chen Hong, Christine B. Ambrosone, Kitaw Demisse, Elisa V. Bandera, Adana A.M. Llanos. Associations of characteristics of hair dye and relaxer use with tumor clinicopathologic features among Black and White women with breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: Thirteenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2020 Oct 2-4. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(12 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-181.

Hair dyes: a systematic review of pertinent in vivo human studies.

What is the safety of hair dyes in human use? To address this, the penetration of hair dyes into human bodies must be quantified. This article provides a critical overview to update work published in the area of in vivo hair dye penetration in humans. Studies are in humans, with one including rhesus monkey and one including in vitro human skin. MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched from 2004 to October 2019 for articles with experimental methodology on in vivo percutaneous absorption of hair dyes in humans and six studies were included. Findings indicate that percutaneous penetration occurs with hair dye use, with less absorbed in hairdressers. However, much remains unknown about the penetration of the over 200 commercially available hair dyes. A major void exists in data confirming or denying the completeness of excretion once absorbed.

Personal use of permanent hair dyes and cancer risk and mortality in US women: prospective cohort study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the associations between personal use of permanent hair dyes and cancer risk and mortality.DesignProspective cohort study.Setting and participants117 200 women enrolled in the Nurses’ Health Study, an ongoing...

Lifestyle and risk of follicular lymphoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

To investigate the relationship between follicular lymphoma (FL) risk and common modifiable lifestyle factors, specifically smoking, alcohol, body mass index (BMI), and hair dye use. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies published prior to 01 January 2020. We searched Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, and Web of Science and the reference lists of original studies and review articles. We used random-effects models to generate meta-estimates of relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Twenty-four cohort and ten case-control studies were eligible. Ten articles examined smoking, 11 alcohol, 13 BMI, and four hair dye use and risk of FL. The meta-estimate for current smoking was 1.11 (95% CI 0.92-1.35; I2 = 51%) and there was no significant dose-response per 5-year increase in duration (p-trend = 0.087). Current alcohol intake was inversely associated with FL risk (meta-RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.81-0.94; I2 = 0%) and there was a significant dose-response per 5 drinks/week increase in intake (p-trend = 0.008). There was no association with 5kg/m2 increase in early adulthood BMI (meta-RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.91-1.20; I2 = 7%) or being overweight (meta-RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.92-1.07; I2 = 0%) or obese (meta-RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.99-1.17; I2 = 0%) as an adult. Hair dye use before 1980 was positively associated with FL risk (meta-RR 1.66, 95% CI 1.22-2.25; I2 = 55%) and no evidence of effect after 1980. We found consistent evidence of an inverse association between current alcohol intake and FL risk, and a significant increased risk with hair dye use before 1980. The evidence for smoking is heterogeneous, but most studies did not support an association. Further research is required to understand the mechanisms underlying these associations and the potential for prevention strategies.

Clinico-investigation on epidemiological study in 119 Indian cases of melasma

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Melasma, a multifactorial disease, constitutes the most common facial melanosis in Indian population.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; 119 cases of melasma aged 18 years or above were enrolled. Detailed history, examination and laboratory investigations were done.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;20 (16.8%) were males and 99 (83.2%) females. Mean age was 35.25 years. Disease duration was more than 1 year in 102 (85.7%), 6 months to 1 year in 10 (8.4%) and less than 6 months in 7 (5.9%). 22 (18.49%) had occupation-related increased duration of sun-exposure 19 (86.3%) or heat-exposure 3 (13.6%). 79 (66.4%) had skin type IV, 26 (21.8%) type III, 14 (11.8%) type V. Centrofacial was commonest distribution pattern in 87 (73.1%), malar in 30 (25.2%), mandibular in 2 (1.7%). Mean duration of daily sun-exposure was 53.36 minutes (male-124.75, female-38.94). Mean Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) score was 11.602. There was significant association between MASI and skin type (p&amp;lt;0.001). Other etiological factors were: Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs) use in 17 (17.17%), melasma during pregnancy in 39 (39.4%), family history of melasma in 24 (20.2%), hair dye use in 66 (55.5%), cosmetics use in 19 (16%), mustard oil use in 31 (26.1%), mustard oil along with other oil(s)’ use in 39 (32.8%). Laboratory investigations revealed anemia in 60 (50.42%), dyslipidemia in 73 (61.34%), abnormal thyroid function test in 26 (21.85%), serum vitamin B12 deficiency in 35 (29.4%) and vitamin D deficiency in 94 (79%).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions: &lt;/strong&gt;Higher skin phototypes should be cautious about general measures and associated risk factors (hair dye/oils, cosmetics). Increased daily sun-exposure, OCPs use, pregnancy, thyroid disorders are risk factors. Housewives and indoor occupations should be advised physical sunscreens for protection against infra-red radiation. Anemia, dyslipidemia, thyroid dysfunction, vitamin D and B12 levels can be assessed although their exact role in perpetuating/precipitating melasma needs further studies&lt;/p&gt;

Abstract 3392: Personal use of permanent hair dyes and cancer risk and mortality in US women: Prospective cohort study

Abstract Background Personal use of permanent hair dyes has been discussed and examined as a potential risk factor for a variety of cancers. Epidemiological evidence regarding the relationship between personal use of permanent hair dyes and cancer risk and mortality remains inconclusive. Methods The Nurses' Health Study is an ongoing prospective cohort study of US female nurses. A total of 117200 women free of cancer at baseline and who reported information on personal use of permanent hair dyes (1976-1982), were included in this analysis and followed for 36 years (1976-2012). Age- and multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) for associations of personal use of permanent hair dyes with risk of overall and specific cancers and cancer-specific death were estimated by using Cox proportional hazard models. The exposures included status, duration, frequency, and integral use (cumulative dose, calculated based on both duration and frequency) of permanent hair dyes, age at first use and time since first use of permanent hair dyes. Results There were 20805 overall solid cancer cases (not including major non-melanoma skin cancers), 1807 overall hematopoietic cancer cases, 22560 basal cell carcinoma cases, 2792 cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma cases and 4860 cancer-specific deaths documented during follow-up. Compared with women who never used permanent hair dyes, there was no significant association between ever-users and overall solid cancer risk (not including major non-melanoma skin cancers) (HR =0.98, 95%CI, 0.96-1.01), overall hematopoietic cancer risk (HR =1.00, 95%CI, 0.91-1.10), risk of most specific cancers, and cancer-specific death (HR=0.96, 95%CI, 0.91-1.02). A slightly increased risk of basal cell carcinoma was observed among ever-users. Larger cumulative dose was associated with higher risk of basal cell carcinoma, breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Mixed findings were observed for never/ever use and cumulative dose of permanent hair dyes in analyses stratified by natural hair color for some endpoints. Increased risk of Hodgkin lymphoma (based on very limited cases) was observed only among women with naturally dark hair who dyed their hair presumably using dark-colored permanent hair dyes. Higher risks of basal cell carcinoma and breast cancer were observed specifically among women with naturally light hair. Conclusion There was no positive association between personal use of permanent hair dyes and risk of most cancers and cancer-specific mortality, except for basal cell carcinoma, breast cancer and ovarian cancer. There were mixed findings for some endpoints (Hodgkin lymphoma, basal cell carcinoma and breast cancer) in analyses stratified by hair color. Further research is needed to confirm current findings. Citation Format: Yin Zhang, Brenda Birmann, Jiali Han, Edward Giovannucci, Frank Speizer, Meir Stampfer, Bernard Rosner, Eva Schernhammer. Personal use of permanent hair dyes and cancer risk and mortality in US women: Prospective cohort study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 3392.

Paraphenylenediamine (Kala Pathar) Poisoning at the National Poison Control Center in Karachi: A Prospective Study.

IntroductionSuicide by self-poisoning is a common cause of death, especially in the younger population. More specifically, hair-dye poisoning is being increasingly used for suicide. Paraphenylenediamine (PPD), also known as “Kala pathar”, is a highly toxic ingredient present in hair-dye that can cause death. Therefore, this study is designed to assess the demographics, clinical features, laboratory findings, and outcomes of PPD poisoning in patients admitted to the National Poison Control Center in Karachi, Pakistan.Materials and methodsWe conducted a prospective study for a period of six months at the National Poison Control Center, Karachi, Pakistan. A total of eight patients with PPD poisoning with no cardiac, liver, or renal co-morbidities were included in this study. The demographic characteristics, clinical features, laboratory findings, mode of intoxication, and route of intoxication were noted in a proforma. Furthermore, hospitalization time, tracheostomy status, mechanical ventilation status, and mortality rates were also recorded. For continuous variables, the means and SDs were calculated. Whereas for categorical data, percentages were calculated.ResultsIn our study, the mean age of the patients was estimated at 25.38 ± 3.77 years. It was deemed that the majority of poisoning cases were intentional in nature (75%). These suicide cases were more commonly observed in young females (75%) who belonged to a low socioeconomic class (87.5%). The preferred route of administration was oral (87.5%). In 87.5% of the patients, the characteristic clinical features such as cervicofacial edema, dysphagia, dysphonia, and stridor were noted. During the later clinical stages of poisoning, clinical features such as rhabdomyolysis (62.5%), chocolate-colored urine (87.5%), hepatitis (75%), and acute renal failure (12.5%) were noteworthy. The mean ± SD of total leukocyte count (TLC), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), serum creatinine and serum potassium were, respectively, noted at 10,500 ± 3,854.4 cells/mm3, 32.87 ± 11.36 IU/L, 1,239.1 ± 1,106.2 IU/L, 776.8 ± 1,149.8 IU/L, 2.125 ± 2.275 mg/dL, and 4.9 ± 1.094 mmol/L. In our patients, the mean intensive care unit stay was 8.25 ± 3.99 days. Emergency tracheostomy was performed in 25% of patients. Mechanical ventilation was required for 50% of our patients. Overall, the mortality rate observed in our study stands at 25%.ConclusionPPD poisoning is associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, it is imperative for physicians to be mindful of the clinical characteristics and treatment options in order to optimally manage such cases of poisoning. In addition, the use of hair-dyes composed of highly lethal PPD should also be banned.

Maternal exposure to environmental endocrine disruptors during pregnancy is associated with pediatric germ cell tumors

ABSTRACTEnvironmental endocrine disruptors (EEDs) are natural or synthetic chemical compounds that interfere with normal endocrine function in both wildlife and humans. Previous studies have indicated that EEDs may contribute to oncogenesis. This study explores the relationship between EEDs and pediatric germ cell tumors (GCTs). A case-control study was conducted in 84 pediatric patients from 2014 to 2017, including 42 subjects with immature teratoma, yolk sac tumor, or germinoma, and 42 controls who experienced pneumonia or trauma. Serum PFASs, including PFBS, PFHpA, PFHxS, PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFDA, PFUA, PFOSA, and PFDoA, were measured in each subject, and their history of possible EED exposure was reviewed. Six of the 10 measured PFASs were significantly increased in the GCT group relative to the control group. With respect to lifestyle history, only PFHxS levels were statistically significantly associated with GCTs as determined by logistic regression analysis. The odds ratio for a 1 ng/L increase in PFHxS was 19.47 (95% CI: 4.20–90.26). Furthermore, in the GCT and control groups, both parental consumption of barbecued foods and hair dye use among parents were significantly correlated with elevated serum PFHxS levels (ρ = 0.383, 0.325 in the patient group and ρ = 0.370, 0.339 in the control group; p < 0.05). Our study confirmed that children with GCTs from our institute had relatively high serum levels of PFASs relative to those of tumor-free pediatric patients. Serum PFHxS levels were independently associated with germ cell tumor occurrence.

New study links hair chemicals to breast cancer.

New study links hair chemicals to breast cancer.

EVALUATION OF RISK FACTORS FOR BREAST CANCER IN PAKISTANI WOMEN

Background: Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortility in females of pakistan. We conducted this study to evaluate risk factors for developing breast cancer in Pakistani women. Methods: An observational/ cross sectional study was conducted at Dr. Ruth Pfau K. M Civil Hospital Karachi, Oncology Ward, from May 2017 to February 2018. A total of 80 patients of biopsy positive cases of breast cancer in Pakistani females were included who were admitted for chemotherapy. By taking the histories, their risk factors were evaluated, weight, height recorded and BMI calculated. Results: In this study 80 females were included to evaluate the risk factors for cancer of breast. Age was 40-59 years in 46.3% and 32.5% were of 24-39 year. Out of total, 98.8% were married, 1.3% was unmarried. Family history of breast cancer was 17.5%, early menarche 7.5%, late menopause 11.8%. Nulliparity was 10% and multiparity was 90%. Age at first full-term pregnancy above 35 years was 1.3%. Breast-feeding was in 77.5% and oral contraceptive pills use 18.8%. HRT was absent 100%. Dietary intake of high fat 40%, lack of exercise 95%, raised BMI 78.8% and use of hair dye in 58.8%. Synthetic dye use was reported in 4% and Henna was used in 96%. Frequency of hair dye use, ranged from occasional (4-5 times/year) 4.2%, to twice a month 4.2% and monthly 91.6%. Duration of hair dye use reported was for 2 years (4%), 5 years (7%), 7 years (11%), 10 years (14%), 15 years (20%) and 20 years (28%). Conclusion: The risk factors for cancer of breast have a different implication on Pakistani women than their western counterparts. Genetic and hormonal factors play a smaller role while life style factors play a major role including a recently associated risk factor of the use of hair dye.

Adolescent Use of Hair Dyes, Chemical Straighteners and Perms in Relation to Breast Cancer Risk in the Sister Study

Abstract Hair products may contain hormonally active and carcinogenic compounds. We evaluated the risk of breast cancer associated with adolescent use of hair dyes, chemical straighteners and perms in a large prospective U.S. cohort. Methods: Sister Study participants (n = 47,833) were ages 35–74 years and had a sister who had been diagnosed with breast cancer at the time of enrollment (2003–2009). Enrollment questionnaires obtained information on demographics and lifestyle factors as well as frequency of use of hair dyes, chemical straighteners, and perms at ages 10–13 years. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the association between adolescent hair product use and breast cancer risk (invasive cancer and ductal carcinoma in situ). We considered whether associations varied by invasiveness, estrogen receptor (ER) status of the tumor, menopause status and race. Results: Over an average of 8.3 years of follow-up, 2,829 cases were diagnosed. Hair dye use at ages 10–13 years was uncommon and not associated with breast cancer risk (e.g. permanent hair dye, &amp;lt;3%; HR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.76–1.22). Use of perms (34% non-Hispanic white vs. 8% black women) and straighteners (10% non-Hispanic white vs 75% black women) at ages 10–13 years varied by race. An elevated HR for breast cancer was observed for frequent use of chemical straighteners (HR = 1.27, 95% CI: 0.98–1.65). Though based on small numbers, this association was most pronounced for ER- invasive (HR = 2.04, 95% CI: 0.98–4.24) and premenopausal breast cancer (HR = 2.18, 95% CI 1.27–3.74). Frequent use of perms was also associated with a higher risk of invasive breast cancer and ER- tumors (HR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.00–1.57 and HR = 1.69, 95%CI: 0.96–2.98, respectively). Although product use varied by race, associations with breast cancer did not. Conclusions: Frequent use of chemical straighteners or perms during the ages of 10–13 years was associated with a higher risk of breast cancer. These results suggest that exposure to the chemicals in these hair products, especially during adolescence which may be an important biological window of susceptibility, may play a role in breast carcinogenesis.

HAIR DYE-INDUCED RETINOPATHY MIMICKING MEK-INHIBITOR RETINOPATHY.

To report a new toxic retinopathy related to the use of hair dye. Case reports of three patients with follow-up after exposure and until resolution. There were three middle-aged women (32-66 year old) all of whom had bilateral moderate to severe vision loss and normal slit-lamp examination at presentation. Fundus examination showed bilateral multiple serous retinal detachments predominantly located in the posterior pole, with some pigment epithelial hypertrophy in chronic cases. Optical coherence tomography showed similar features as in MEK-inhibitor retinopathy. Electrooculogram performed in one patient showed abnormal Arden ratio. During follow-up, visual acuity improved with regression of the serous retinal detachments. The speed of resolution was proportional to the acuteness of the exposure to aromatic amines. Hair dyes containing aromatic amines can be responsible for bilateral toxic retinopathy mimicking MEK-inhibitor retinopathy.

Face and Neck Pigmentary Alterations in Hair Dye Users: A Cross-sectional Study from South India.

Background:Hair dyes are commonly used for the concealment of grey hair in India. The pigmentary alterations produced by hair dyes on the face and neck have not received sufficient attention.Aims:To study the pigmentary alterations on the face and neck in hair dye users, and identify possible risk factors associated with the face and neck hyperpigmentation.Methods:A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study was done on consecutive hair dye users. A detailed history was taken, and a clinical examination was done to record the pigmentary alterations. The patterns, areas affected, the intensity of hyperpigmentation, percentage of the area involved and risk factors were noted.Results:One hundred and twenty patients were included in the study. Around 118 (98.3%) patients had hyperpigmentation over face and/or neck: 16 (13.3%) barely perceivable, 40 (33.3%) mild, 44 (36.7%) moderate, and 18 (15%) severe pigmentation. The lateral forehead (106, 88.3%), the helix of the ear (106, 88.3%), central forehead (97, 80.8%), and zygomatic area (92, 76.7%) were the most frequently affected areas in our study. Fourteen patients (11.7%) had depigmented macules on the scalp and/or lips.Conclusion:Pigmentary alterations, particularly hyperpigmentation over the upper face and ears are common with the use of hair dyes. The skin type may play a role in the intensity of hyperpigmentation.

Hair dye and chemical straightener use and breast cancer risk in a large US population of black and white women.

Many hair products contain endocrine-disrupting compounds and carcinogens potentially relevant to breast cancer. Products used predominately by black women may contain more hormonally-active compounds. In a national prospective cohort study, we examined the association between hair dye and chemical relaxer/straightener use and breast cancer risk by ethnicity. Sister Study participants (n = 46,709), women ages 35-74, were enrolled between 2003 and 2009, and had a sister with breast cancer but were breast cancer-free themselves. Enrollment questionnaires included past 12-month hair product use. Cox proportional hazards models estimated adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the association between hair products and breast cancer; effect measure modification by ethnicity was evaluated. During follow-up (mean = 8.3 years), 2,794 breast cancers were identified. Fifty-five percent of participants reported using permanent dye at enrollment. Permanent dye use was associated with 45% higher breast cancer risk in black women (HR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.10-1.90), and 7% higher risk in white women (HR = 1.07, 95% CI: 0.99-1.16; heterogeneity p = 0.04). Among all participants, personal straightener use was associated with breast cancer risk (HR = 1.18, 95% CI 0.99-1.41); with higher risk associated with increased frequency (p for trend = 0.02). Nonprofessional application of semipermanent dye (HR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.05-1.56) and straighteners (HR = 1.27, 95% CI 0.99-1.62) to others was associated with breast cancer risk. We observed a higher breast cancer risk associated with any straightener use and personal use of permanent dye, especially among black women. These results suggest that chemicals in hair products may play a role in breast carcinogenesis.

Risk assessment of heavy metals content in different hair dyes and their users’ urine samples

ABSTRACT Human toxicity of heavy metals is the result of long-term exposure to pollutants found in hair dyes. In this study, levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and urine were evaluated in various hair dyes products sold in local stores in Riyadh using inductive coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) after digestion with a mixture of nitric acid (HNO3), hydrofluoric acid (HF) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for hair dyes, while a mixture of HNO3 and H2O2 was used for urine. The mean concentrations of the selected heavy metals in hair dye ranged (0.0015–0.0035 ppm) from Cd, (0.003–0.014 ppm) from Pb, which were within the permissible international limits, while for Hg (1.1–4.3 ppm) from Hg was higher than the permissible international limits. The mean concentrations of the selected heavy metals in urine ranged (0. 002, 0.011 and 1.3 ppm) from Cd, Pb, and Hg respectively in the urine. However, in the case of urine samples, the average concentration of Pb was higher than the permitted international limits. The current study showed that the use of hair dyes exposes users to low concentrations of toxic heavy metals that can cause potential health damage to users.