From an email 8/30/08 "I just read the abstracts about the use of hair dye in connection with cancer posted on your site. Since hair dyes have become extremely popular, it would be great to see more recent postings...with new results. Here is a bit more information regarding that situation. The killer chemical is called para-phenylenadiamine (PPD). It is contained in many things besides hair dye including printing ink, tires and photography chemicals. In the U.S., hair dye solutions can contain up to 7% PPD, it is banned from hair dye in Canada and Europe. Workers that handle PPD must wear full toxic chemical safety gear so there is never contact with PPD yet the FDA allows us to put it on our heads! The hair dye patch test is not a help. The PPD must stay on your skin much longer than recommended on the box of dye. If someone has an allergic reation to this chemical and has contact dermatitis from it, here is what they can expect (if they live). Shortness of breath, swelling of face, hands and feet, redness on the contact site, itchy scalp, hair loss and weight gain. These symptoms eventually dissipate somewhat but never go away, the PPD has invaded the cells that adhere to skeletal muscles. They multiply which causes an excess of histmine and puts the individual at high risk for cancer. As time goes on, the high histamine causes allergic reactions (anaphylactic attacks) to anything and everything and the body begins to shut down. My experience: In April 2005 I dyed my hair using dark dye from a local drugstore. I immediately experienced shortness of breath. 3 days later redness appeared on my forehead, around my ears and neck, leisions on my scalp and my hair started to frizz and fall out. After visits to my GP, a dermatologist, a hair specialist, a Qui Gong healer and an allergist (who suggested chemotherapy) I visited a homeopath. After starting the detox and using the recommended remedies for 5 days I could step outside my house to sit on the deck, go to the grocery store and attend functions without having an attack. Prior to this I had an attack every day, sometimes 2. My co workers even carried Benedryl in case I ran out. I continue to detox and use the remedies and every day is a little better than the last. This process, from the time I realized what was happening to today, has taken nearly 3 years. I have been using the homeopathic remedies for only 10 weeks and already feel as if I will have my life back. My scalp is still itchy and my hair still looks like a 2 year old took scissors to it but, those issues pale in comparason to being able to breath. The exactness of this mail may be off a bit because I am no doctor, but this is my understanding of what has happened to me and many others like me. Many people do not know why they have the symptoms so hopefully this will help them to realize that there is hope". M.H. Additional comments sent in 9/01: "If one has PPD poisoning they become allergic to many many other chemicals, most of which are in everyday products. If you have used hair dye with PPD in it chances are you will develop more allergies over time as the cells multiply and your histamine levels increase. The cancer risk increases if the cell cluster. It is a horrifying chemical and very few people, including medical professionals and BEAUTICIANS, actually understand the ramifications of having contact with it. The studies I've read do not track people over long time periods (with the exception of possibly government studies or pay per read ones, which is why full protective garb is worn by workers that actually handle the stuff). The Henna For hair site has some good articles. Some tell awful tales of children and adults having lifelong dibilitating medical issues and even death. See a homeopath"! M.H. Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.