Citations
Health Impacts
- "P-Phenylenediamine." EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, n.d. Web. 03 June 2015. <http://www.epa.gov/ttnatw01/hlthef/phenylen.html>.
- "Ingredient Watch List: Phenylenediamine, the Hair Dye Allergen That Can Irritate Skin." Organic Skin Care Products Annmarie Gianni Skin Care Ingredient Watch List Phenylenediamine the Hair Dye Allergen That Can Irritate Skin Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 June 2015. <http://www.annmariegianni.com/ingredient-watch-list-phenylenediamine-the-hair-dye-allergen-that-can-irritate-skin/>.
- "Reactions to Hair Dye." - Allergy UK. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 June 2015. <https://www.allergyuk.org/skin-allergy/reactions-to-hair-dye>.
- Brain, Marshall. HowStuffWorks. HowStuffWorks.com, n.d. Web. 03 June 2015. <http://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/everyday-innovations/hair-coloring2.htm>.
- "Hair Dyes and Cancer Risk." National Cancer Institute. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 June 2015. <http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/myths/hair-dyes-fact-sheet>.
The allergen for most people in hair dye is PPD. Exposure to it can cause:
- Dermatitis: Inflammation of the skin
- Capable of causing toxic effects to body
- Eye irritation and tearing
- Asthma
Studies
Research has also shown a possible link between hair dye and cancer (blood and bladder related cancer).
Hair Dye
What is hair dye?
Ingredients in Hair Dye
Hair dye is the substance used to permanently change the color of hair. It is usually done to change to a hair color that's more fashionable or desirable.
Hydrogen Peroxide
- Oxidizing agent: Gains electrons during the chemical reaction
- Helps start the color forming process and leaves hair with longer lasting color
Hair dye contains a wide variety of chemicals. However, the main ingredients of hair dye are Hydrogen Peroxide, Ammonia, and Paraphenylenediamine (PPD).
Ammonia & PPD
- Acts as a catalyst that speeds up the chemical reaction
- Separates the cuticles of the hair and allows the hair dye to become permanent
- PPD forms the color after binding with oxygen from the Hydrogen Peroxide
Conclusion
By: Susan Lu
It is best to avoid using hair dye too much due to the fact that it can lead to serious health issues over a long period of usage. If there is a desire to dye your hair then use alternatives.
Driving Question
Why is it important to us?
What are the health impacts on using hair dye?
- More and more people are using it to enhance their appearance
- Many are unaware of the harmful things
- Hair dye contains more than 5,000 chemicals, some which are carcinogenic in animals