Cancer fears over hair dye

A health alert has been issued over hair dyes used by millions of women.

Scientists believe there could be a link between some of the chemicals used in hair dyes and bladder cancer. They have now ordered urgent research to be carried out on health implications of permanent hair dye or the product could face a ban.

The problems came to light when the European Commission ordered hair-dye manufacturers to provide them with evidence that all the chemicals found in products had been properly tested and were safe.

But the dossier of information failed to rule out a link between permanent hair dye and bladder cancer, and even suggested that when the dye is mixed with peroxide during application it could cause damage to cells.

The commission has now issued a report admitting it can no longer advise consumers that using the dye is risk free.

In a landmark decision for a cosmetic product, the Scientific Committee on Cosmetic and Non-Food Products - which is leading the investigation - stated: "The SCCNFP is of the opinion that the information submitted is insufficient to allow an adequate risk assessment to be carried out. Before any further considerations, additional data would be required on carcinogenicity of PPD in combination with hydrogen peroxide."

The scientists believe that the cosmetic companies, which make up to £600 million a year from hair dye in Britain, have not conducted adequate research to rule out a link between permanent dyes and bladder cancer.

Fears over such a link have been growing since a study last year connected longterm use of the dark dyes to bladder cancer. The study, by scientists at the University of Southern California's Norris Cancer Centre, looked at 1,600 people with bladder cancer and found that those who used permanent hair dye over a long period are three times more likely to get bladder cancer than those who did not.

Hairdressers who came into contact with the dye are five times more at risk of the disease. The researchers believe a type of chemical in some of the dyes can seep into the scalp or hands and enter the bloodstream, finding their way to the bladder.

More than half of all women in Britain admit to using hair dye. Boots alone reaps £150million a year from hair-colour products.

But 18 months ago, the commission launched an investigation into hair dyes after dermatologists reported an increasing number of people experiencing severe allergic reactions. They demanded that manufacturers reveal which ingredients are used in each product and what tests have been carried out to ensure the product was safe.

Although some hair dyes - such as peroxide - are thought to be slightly safer, the scientific committee has become increasingly worried about the long-term effects of P-phenylenediamine, or PPD, used in dark hair dyes.

Dr Ian White, head of the Scientific Committee of Cosmetic Products and a consultant dermatologist at St Thomas' Hospital, said the lack of basic knowledge about how safe hair dyes are was appalling. "They have not provided ample information that the dye is safe. Isn't it amazing that a product should have such wide gaps in its toxicological requirements but be on sale?" he said.

However, Dr White admitted that there is no need for consumers to panic. Dark hair dyes using PPD have been on sale for more than 40 years, and risks of cancer are mainly associated with long-term use.

Sara Hiom, a science information officer at Cancer Research UK, said: "Some studies indicate that long-term use of hair dye can increase the risk of developing bladder cancer, especially in smokers. Anyone who is concerned may want to reduce their use of hair dyes as evidence suggests that short-term use poses little risk."

The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association has pointed out that about 60 chemicals used in dyes had passed previous safety checks.