THE ILLUSION OF CARE

Perri Jackson recently decided to “try and roll back time” by dying her hair at a local salon. What she did not realize was that her body would have a severe reaction to a common ingredient found in most hair dyes – Para-Phenylenediamine (PPD), also known as coal tar dye. (This ingredient is also used in rubber chemicals, photo developer, oils, textile dyes and some cosmetics). After application of the dye Perri began experiencing an allergic reaction. She felt a burning sensation on her scalp and developed a rash very quickly. Because she had developed chemical sensitivities, the condition worsened to include blistering and difficulty breathing. After her harrowing experience, she has spent hundreds of hours documenting and researching the health effects on people from chemicals used in dyes and cosmetics. 27

Cosmetics and other personal care products can cause chemical reactions if not examined.  Benzyl violet is a carcinogenic used as “a coloring agent in many cosmetic products, including nail polish.”28 “Coal tars is found in many dark permanent hair dyes, and cocamide diethanolamine is in shampoos, lotions and creams as a softener and product thickener. Formaldehyde is also used in some cosmetics as a preservative and in some nail hardeners.”29 Carcinogens such as these are being researched as potential causes of cancer.30 Para-dioxane has been found in some baby shampoos at higher doses than recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is known to cause cancer in male and female mice and rats and is estimated to be in a quarter of all personal care products.  The FDA can only regulate cosmetic products after they have reached stores.  If one carcinogen can cause cancer, what is the effect of long-term exposure with various known carcinogens and other toxic chemicals?

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