Archiv der Kategorie ‘Medicine‘

Exposure to chemical found in personal care products may contribute to childhood obesity

Phthalates could play a role in rising childhood obesity rates

Researchers from the Children’s Environmental Health Center at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York have found an association between exposure to the chemical group known as phthalates and obesity in young children – including increased body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference.

Phthalates are man-made, endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can mimic the body’s natural hormones. They are commonly used in plastic flooring and wall coverings, food processing materials, medical devices, and personal-care products. While poor nutrition and physical inactivity are known to contribute to obesity, a growing body of research suggests that environmental chemicals – including phthalates – could play a role in rising childhood obesity rates.

This study was the first to examine the relationship between phthalate exposure and measurements used to identify obesity in children. The paper is available online in the journal Environmental Research. The project was funded by the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences, the National Cancer Institute, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Mount Sinai researchers measured phthalate concentrations in the urine of 387 black and Hispanic children in New York City, and recorded body measurements including BMI, height, and waist circumference one year later. The urine tests revealed that greater than 97 percent of study participants had been exposed to phthalates typically found in personal care products such as perfume, lotions, and cosmetics; varnishes; and medication or nutritional supplement coatings. The phthalates included monoethyl phthalate (MEP) and other low molecular-weight phthalates. The team also found an association between concentrations of these phthalates with BMI and waist circumference among overweight children. For example, BMI in overweight girls with the highest exposure to MEP was 10 percent higher than those with the lowest MEP exposure.

“Research has shown that exposure to these everyday chemicals may impair childhood neurodevelopment, but this is the first evidence demonstrating that they may contribute to childhood obesity,” said the study’s lead author Susan Teitelbaum, PhD, Associate Professor in the Department of Preventive Medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. “This study also further emphasizes the importance of reducing exposure to these chemicals where possible.”

The percentage of obese children ages six to 11 in the United States has grown from seven percent in 1980 to more than 40 percent in 2008, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 15 percent of American children between the ages six and 19 are characterized as obese. In New York City, more than one in five children in public schools are obese.

Dr. Teitelbaum and the team at the Children’s Environmental Health Center plan to further evaluate the impact of these chemicals on childhood obesity. “While the data are significant, more research is needed to definitively determine whether phthalate exposure causes increases in body size,” she said.

Author:

The Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Exposure to chemical found in personal care products may contribute to childhood obesity, January 20, 2012

BPA, Found in Soup Can Lining, Associated with Adverse Health Effects in Humans

Consuming Canned Soup Linked to Greatly Elevated Levels of the Chemical BPA

A new study from researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) has found that a group of volunteers who consumed a serving of canned soup each day for five days had a more than 1,000% increase in urinary bisphenol A (BPA) concentrations compared with when the same individuals consumed fresh soup daily for five days. The study is one of the first to quantify BPA levels in humans after ingestion of canned foods.

The findings were published online November 22, 2011, in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and will appear in the November 23/30 print issue.

“Previous studies have linked elevated BPA levels with adverse health effects. The next step was to figure out how people are getting exposed to BPA. We’ve known for a while that drinking beverages that have been stored in certain hard plastics can increase the amount of BPA in your body. This study suggests that canned foods may be an even greater concern, especially given their wide use,” said Jenny Carwile, a doctoral student in the Department of Epidemiology at HSPH and lead author of the study.

Exposure to the endocrine-disrupting chemical BPA, used in the lining of metal food and beverage cans, has been shown to interfere with reproductive development in animals and has been linked with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity in humans. In addition to the lining of food and beverage cans, BPA is also found in polycarbonate bottles (identified by the recycling number 7) and dentistry composites and sealants.

The researchers, led by Carwile and Karin Michels, associate professor in the Department of Epidemiology, set out to quantify whether canned-soup consumption would increase urinary BPA concentrations relative to eating fresh soup.

They recruited student and staff volunteers from HSPH. One group consumed a 12-ounce serving of vegetarian canned soup each day for five days; another group consumed 12 ounces of vegetarian fresh soup (prepared without canned ingredients) daily for five days. After a two-day “washout” period, the groups reversed their assignments.

Urine samples of the 75 volunteers taken during the testing showed that consumption of a serving of canned soup daily was associated with a 1,221% increase in BPA compared to levels in urine collected after consumption of fresh soup.

The researchers note that the elevation in urinary BPA concentrations may be temporary and that further research is needed to quantify its duration.

“The magnitude of the rise in urinary BPA we observed after just one serving of soup was unexpected and may be of concern among individuals who regularly consume foods from cans or drink several canned beverages daily. It may be advisable for manufacturers to consider eliminating BPA from can linings,” said Michels, senior author of the study.

Support for this study was provided by an Allen Foundation grant and a Training Grant in Environmental Epidemiology from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

Literature:

Jenny L. Carwile, Xiaoyun Ye, Xiaoliu Zhou, Anotonia M. Calafat, Karin B. Michels, “Canned Soup Consumption and Urinary Bishphenol A: A Randomized Crossover Trial,”JAMA, online Nov. 22, 2011; in Nov. 23/30 print issue.

Video Channel:  Harvard School of Public Health

Twitter: Harvard School of Public Health

Prof. Doris Rapp – An icon of environmental medicine visits Germany

Evidence for the causes of environmental diseases have been around for a long time

The doctor and scientist Doris Rapp is one of those who not only practice environmental medicine, but has also made environmental medicine the most important thing in her life. The American spent two weeks in Germany. The reunion with Prof. Rapp was very productive and we were lucky enough to spend a beautiful day on the Moselle. Here is a small summary.

Researcher documented environmental disease

I met Prof. Rapp for the first time at a congress in Bad Emstal about 18 years ago. It was a crucial experience. In her presentation, she showed a video about a teacher who became ill from contaminated carpeting in the school. The teacher was filmed during a reaction to contaminated dust from the carpet. This video vividly conveys to the viewer what MCS is and what a reaction can look like. At that time I was at the very beginning of my own illness and had had similar reactions to certain pesticides. The teacher experienced convulsions and fell unconscious. I thought “my goodness, that’s me, that’s exactly like me, that’s what you have…“ After the lecture I spoke with Prof. Rapp and that was the beginning of an ongoing exchange of information and an interesting friendship. We met again at conferences in Germany, Holland and in the U.S., visited each other in Germany and the United States and exchanged e-mails. When I visited her in Scottsdale, she showed me one of her video archives. She had stored thousands of videos of children whom she had treated. They showed the patients during and after therapy and during testing of foods, mold, pollen, dust mites or chemicals. They displayed impressive evidence that can remove any last doubts as to the existence of environmental illnesses and allergies.

We can no longer ignore environmental illnesses

Dr. Binz and his wife invited the environmental doctor for this most recent visit to Germany. We had actually arranged to meet for a trip along the Moselle, which would start before lunch. We had a warm reunion and before we knew it we had already exchanged information and ideas and were in the midst of planning for future projects.

“I’m over 80 years old now and have no children, I don’t really need to be doing all this and I could be enjoying my peace at this age, but I see what’s going on, and I simply cannot remain silent. We have so many chemicals in our environment, in the food we eat, in the water we drink and the air that we are constantly breathing. They affect each of our body systems and we can no longer ignore this. Almost every second person in my country has cancer and that is just not acceptable”, says Doris Rapp.

“The politicians and the public must realize the impact the flood of chemicals has on us and no one should keep insisting that we do not know where all the increasing diseases that occur are coming from. The evidence is there. We have animal testing to prove it. That’s why, as a doctor, I ask: How much more has to happen before we admit to the real causes? I won’t accept hearing when one says, “Yes, but there’s nothing we can do about it.” Yes, there is, because you can educate yourself and there’s a hell of a lot you can do,” says Prof Rapp, who is enraged about the current situation.

Solutions are often very simple

Prof. Rapp is no one who can be at odds with the world and ignore the solutions. She is in the process of writing another book. “It will be a small book, only 30 pages. Every reader can easily understand how he/she can shape his environment in order to stay healthy. The tips in this book will not cost anyone a fortune, they can easily be implemented without major expense. It will help anyone who wants to change something and wants to improve his health. The doctor cites two examples:

“Many people react to foods, but are not sure towards which foods. Expensive tests are not necessary. I advise people to think about what they eat most, foods that they downright crave. Experience has shown that these are the foods that are eaten every day and most likely those which cause reactions. The solution: omit the suspected food for a week. You can test one food after another. This costs nothing! ”

“Some people live in a house that is contaminated with pollutants or contaminated by mold. My experience is that five out of seven people can improve their health by 70% if they obtain a high quality air purifier that is capable of filtering hundreds of chemicals from the air in your home. Such an air purifier may cost a bit, but I have often seen patients who got better over night. So it’s worth it if you are unable to directly move out of the apartment or house.”

The new book will be published this year, and Professor Rapp has authorized me to translate it into German. She also gave me permission to translate videos and other books into our language, contributing knowledge to allergy sufferers and chemically sensitive people in the German-speaking countries, helping them to find a way back into life.

 

A trip along the Moselle

During the drive to the historic Moselle wine village, Bernkastel, to Traben-Trabach and the drive back to Trier, Prof. Rapp was bursting with innovative ideas that we will begin to put into action in the next few months and they will benefit the environmentally ill in many ways.

Author: Silvia K. Müller, CSN – Chemical Sensitivity Network, 12 September 2011

Fibromyalgia: Smoking Linked with Chronic Pain

Smokers are more likely than nonsmokers to report pain syndromes

Smokers are much more likely to report problems with persistent musculoskeletal pain than non-smokers, according to a new study reported in the Journal of Pain, published by the American Pain Society.

Researchers from the University of Kentucky School of Public Health surveyed more than 6000 women participating in the Kentucky Women’s Health Registry, which regularly polls women on health-related issues to better understand the state’s disease burden. The study was intended to assess the association of smoking with the presence of different types of chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Only two states have a higher smoking prevalence than Kentucky, estimated at 25 percent. The state also ranks first in smoking-related deaths per capita among women.

Several previous studies have linked smoking and chronic pain, especially low back pain. The consensus of past research is that smokers of both sexes are more likely than nonsmokers to report pain syndromes.

The Kentucky researchers categorized survey respondents according to age and smoking status, with smokers further classified by their amount of daily cigarette intake. Respondents also were asked about pain symptoms and if they had been diagnosed with musculoskeletal pain disorders, such as fibromyalgia and low-back pain. Pain variables selected for analysis were the presence or absence of low-back pain, neck pain, sciatica, nerve pain, fibromyalgia, joint pain and pain all over the body.

The study findings showed that smokers are significantly more likely to report chronic pain than nonsmokers. Daily smokers were two times more likely to report pain than non smokers. Those who smoke a pack or more a day also were most likely to report a high burden of chronic pain.

The authors noted that smoking-induced coughing increases abdominal pressure and back pain and nicotine may decrease pain thresholds by sensitizing pain receptors. The study also showed a dose-dependent relationship between smoking frequency and having chronic pain syndrome. This may indicate that smoking cessation treatments could be helpful for chronic pain management therapy.

Author: American Pain Society, Smoking Linked with Chronic Pain, August 23, 2011

PureNature Online Shop now available in Spain

Since July 8th, 2011, we are pleased to welcome an online PureNature shop in Spain. Spanish customers will find over 2,000 products that will help them to live more comfortably with their allergies and to assist them with more environmentally conscious living.

A customer on-site service director has been operating since last year. Our representative, Mr. David Palma has replied to the Spanish customer inquiries with great expertise and is in constant contact with his German colleagues in order to satisfy all customer requests and inquiries with the greatest customer satisfaction.

The translation of the PureNature products took many months to complete and is ongoing. The effort has paid off, because with the launch of the online store, it is now much easier for the Spanish customers to shop. The goods are shipped from the PureNature, based in Idar-Oberstein, Germany to Spain. The new customers are welcomed by receiving free shipping during the month of July with their first order.

A warm welcome to Spain, and at this point, a big thank you to David Palma and his wife Eva Caballé, without whom this project would never have become a reality!

All the best,

from the entire PureNature team

 

Have a look at the new Spanish PureNature Shop: www.purenature.es

 

Strict avoidance – the best way to treat and prevent food allergies?

Identification of biomarkers is needed for patients who react to food

In a recent study, scientists identified a prestigious American university asking if strict allergen avoidance is the most appropriate strategy for dealing with food allergies. Traditionally, avoiding the foods which one cannot tolerate has been a standard treatment for allergies to food. This advice is based on the assumption that contact can lead to an allergic reaction and avoidance accelerates the recovery. Recent studies make this assumption.

Heat largely kills allergens

Recent studies show that most children with a milk allergy tolerate eggs and similar foods when they were hot. In addition, clinical studies show that eating tiny amounts of food could result in desensitization. It must be noted at this point that this procedure can be naturally carried out in the presence of a physician or an at an allergy clinic when a child suffers from severe allergic reactions.

Late introduction of allergens offers no advantage

Recently published epidemiological studies do not support the previous assumption that a delayed introduction of highly allergenic foods for infants and young children prevents food allergies. In fact, the recent data suggest that delaying the introduction of certain foods may even increase the risk of developing an allergy.

Biomarkers could provide a better understanding

The latest data suggest that strict allergen avoidance as a treatment is not always necessary. Exposure to a particular food can even be a therapeutic measure. An extended delay in the introduction of food allergens in the diet of young children may increase the risk of allergies as shared by scientists in their report. In many cases, the strict avoidance of a treatment is clearly necessary, however, so the scientists at the Mount Sinai Hospital continue to state, that further studies are needed to assess risks and benefits of exposure to allergens in more detail. They agree that the identification of biomarkers is needed for patients who react to food.

Author: Silvia K. Müller, CSN – Chemical Sensitivity Network

Literature:

Kim JS, Safe S., Should there be strict avoidance of foods in prevention and treatment of food allergy?, Jaffe Food Allergy Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA, Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. February 16th, 2010.

Organic Food in Schools Costs Only 24 Cents More

100 percent organic food for children in schools and kindergartens

The scientific findings in recent years leave no doubt that children should receive as much organic food as possible. Conventional food, especially fruit and vegetables are contaminated with pesticides and other agro- chemicals. Although it is said that maximum levels for certain pesticides are rarely exceeded, that doesn’t mean it is safe and clear for all consumers. The trick of the agricultural industry is easy to see, just use different pesticides in the exchange and thus press the values for the individual pesticide. Moreover, recently the limits have increased for a number of highly toxic pesticides EU-wide. The Pesticide Action Network released results from new inspections, which can detect the degree of pesticides used. Celery, for example, contained 69 different pesticides. No one can predict the health effects of such pesticide cocktails except that such food is not healthy. Disorders such as hyperactivity and attention-deficit disorder in children are under scientific investigation with a connection associated with elevated pesticide levels.

For only 24 cents more, one can have organics on the table

Usually the argument given to parents has been, “Organic food is too expensive”, but that is not the case. For only 24 cents more, parents can inform the schools, kindergartens, and day care centers that organic food for children and young people is indeed affordable.

AID reported that many initiatives in recent years proved that organic food is not too expensive. There is also an increasing percentage of organic components incorporated into the daily meal. That even the whole so-called, out-of-home, on organic food can be changed. It is more of a question of commitment. For example, the Munich-based initiative “Bio for Kids” just a four-year project, carried out the organic commitment very positively.

Using start-up funding from sponsor companies, a total of 28 facilities have succeeded in fully converting to organic without any problem. Everything was represented from parents having their own kitchen staff to external caterers.

The cost increases were kept to very manageable limits

The main meal cost per child was only 24 cents more, compared to conventional food. It is important that institutions become independent and no longer remain dependent on sponsors. The mystery of the small additional cost was reported in the improvement of kitchen management: Systematic shopping, less meat, the production of long-term supply plans, seasonal cooking or resorting to organic products from the region all played a crucial role.

Reasons why you should use organic food in the kitchen

The purchase of organic food supports sustainable land management and protects nature and the environment. Organic products contain less nitrate and residues of chemical plant protection products (pesticides, herbicides, fungicides) than conventional products. Fruit and vegetables from organic farming compared to conventional products have a higher nutrient density and a higher content of secondary plant substances. Animals are fed appropriately and kept – no growth and performance enhancers are used. Organic foods are carefully processed, only a few additives are allowed. Shopping for regional and seasonal products will also strengthen the regional provider, saving long-distance transportation. In addition, the value chain of organic food can be wonderfully explained; whether one has preschoolers or school children.

Are there good arguments against having organic food in schools? NO

There is nothing one can say against organic, and for only around five Euros a month, organic meals in schools are a viable investment that will ultimately be offset by better performance and healthy children.

Healthy eating can be fun – chefs show how to do it

Some top chefs are in great need to instruct children in healthy eating. Jamie Oliver has cooked time and time again in schools and provided delicious recipes that taste really great to children.

In Dortmund, the German chef, Mark Haxton, has cooked with children is a primary school. This year, eleven other organic cookery events with students in various German cities, have scheduled events with this chef. He is not the only German chef who is committed to organic farming on the website, for example, we can see other projects in which children were obviously having much fun cooking organic food and tasting too. Parents should show courage and propose that their child’s school convert to organic. Perhaps parents can even suggest other ecological projects or help make it possible to create and organic garden for the school, which brings children closer to nature.

Author: Silvia K. Müller, CSN – Chemical Sensitivity Network

Literature:

  • Aid, 100 percent organic food for children, June 9th, 2010
  • University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, Sarah Yang, Release: Children susceptible to pesticides longer than expected, study finds, 22 June 2009

Medicine: Causes of nasal polyps discovered

Heredity, allergies, environmental factors, and chemicals on the job

The cause of polyps in the nose has been long regarded as a largely unknown. Children, like adults, may be affected from these benign growths in the nose, making it difficult to breathe and may also lead to significant physical impairments.

The size of the growths vary, ranging from millimeters to a larger size which makes breathing through the nose almost impossible. Previously suspected triggers were chronic inflammation caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi, plus allergies and asthma.

A team of scientists from Greece did a case-control study which revealed further clues and uncovered other causes. Environmental factors and chemicals at work had a considerable significance for the occurrence of polyps.

Study reveals causes of polyps

A Greek research team studied 100 patients from three Athens hospitals and 102 control subjects. The following factors were considered for each study participant: the gender, education level, family history, allergies, smoking, occupational activities and environmental impacts.

Symptoms of nasal polyps

The symptoms caused by nasal polyps depends on the severity and the anatomical features.

The following symptoms are commonly observed:

  • Difficult breathing through the nose
  • Vague, slurred pronunciation, speaking through his nose,
  • poor performance
  • sleep disorders, snoring
  • Decreased sense of smell
  • Frequent inflammation of the sinuses

Inheritance and allergy causes of polyps in the nose

The researchers found that polyps can also be inherited. A total of 13.3% of the patients inherited the polyps. In the control group, however, none of the family members had nasal polyps. The presence of allergies was higher in patients with polyps. In 64% of the patients, different allergies were found, and in 12% there was a probable presence of allergies.

Environmental factors and chemical causes for polyps

In some workplaces, employees experience heavy contact with chemicals and dust. This may also lead to nasal polyps, the researchers found. In particular, exposure to chemicals at work turned out to be a common cause in the patients with polyps. Smoking, however, was not a significant trigger factor; and in addition, the level of education was also irrelevant for the occurrence of polyps.

The scientists concluded from their study results that nasal polyps are often caused by allergies and may be familial. A genetic predisposition is a cause for consideration by the Greek scientists, but also the influence and incidence of chemicals and substances from the environment and the workplace can cause nasal polyps. Patients had more polyps, when confronted with chemicals in the workplace, than when polyps occurred in the family.

Treatment of nasal polyps

The treatment of choice for nasal polyps was previously two options: Long-term treatment with cortisone spray (usually at least 6 months) and / or surgery. The findings of the scientists from Athens however suggest another approach: allergen avoidance, and exposure and eliminating the chemicals in the living and working environment. Where allergens and chemicals cannot be avoided, wearing protective masks with good ventilation would be a good preventive measure of protection to prevent exposures to chemicals and dust.

Autor: Silvia K. Müller, CSN – Chemical Sensitivity Network

Literature:

Alexiou A, Sourtzi P, Dimakopoulou K, Manolis E, Velonakis E., Nasal polyps: heredity, allergies, and environmental and occupational exposure, J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2011 Feb;40 (1):58-63.

MCS stakeholders sign petition to the World Health Organization

WHO receives delegation of representatives for the environmentally ill

On May 13, a petition from the WHO delegation of stakeholders from MCS and EMS patients, physicians, scientists, lawyers and journalists in Geneva will be received. The delegation will be welcomed by Dr. Maria Neira, Director General of Public Health and Environment, WHO confirms.

WHO confirmed hearing from MCS organizations

Dr. Neira will receive the relevant documents from the delegation, a bibliography regarding environmental diseases, a list of countries that already have a ICD-10 code for MCS and / or EMS, and some other relevant documents for the meeting. All documents being submitted support the science-based arguments, and finally create a mandatory basis for environmental health conditions worldwide, so that the medical care of patients can be assured.

MCS and EMS organizations sign the WHO petition

The petition, which seeks to ensure that the situation for people, who are chemically sensitive or electro-sensitive, was improved by the Spanish organization „Asquifyde”. The petition was signed by many organizations, researchers, and practitioners from around the world. The hope is that WHO will implement this petition, which would apply a consistent international code of disease (ICD) in all countries worldwide for those with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) and electromagnetic sensitivity (EMS). This ICD code is important because it will allow patients’ doctors to give an accurate diagnosis with expected benefits from the health insurance, which already exists for other disabilities and illnesses. The existence of MCS and EMS has already been demonstrated.

In all countries, binding ICD-10 code for MCS and EMS

Currently, Japan (T65.9) and Germany (T78.4) have the ICD-10 code for MCS. Other German-speaking countries like Switzerland, Luxembourg and Austria ,through their Ministry of Health, say that in their countries the ICD-10 code for MCS, T78.4, is valid and can be used as well.

WHO press conference after hearing

According to the WHO, a press conference will take place after the hearing. It will be headed by Sonia Miguel Jara and journalists. To fund this important press conference following the WHO hearing, Asquifyde and other MCS and EMS organizations, are asking anyone who is concerned about the environmental concerns of those ill from environmental factors to contribute financial support.

Help the environmentally ill

Scientists estimate that about 15-30% of the general population in industrialized countries suffer with MCS. The number of EMS stakeholders increases by the progressive expansion of mobile networks also. These people are almost without exception, without the help and support, which contradicts the international disability convention and applicable laws. Ignoring and negation of environmental diseases in recent years has led to indescribable suffering and to considerable financial losses to the economy. It is hoped that the leaders at the WHO, will respect the suffering of those patients with MCS and EMS and take seriously the international petition and act according to their stated mission which is to provide assistance to those disabled internationally.

Author: Silvia K. Müller, CSN – Chemical Sensitivity Network, 2 May 2011

Use of hair dye chemicals can affect the immune system

Hair dyes are involved in the development of autoimmune diseases and cancer

The first gray hairs indicate our aging and many have only one thought: The gray hairs must disappear. There are many hair dyes on the market, but most contain questionable chemicals to produce their coloring effect. Recently scientists at the University of Copenhagen showed that commercial -p-phenylenediamine (PPD)-contained in the hair dye composition is a potent activator on the immune system. When animal models were in contact with PPD, severe hypersensitivity reactions resulted.

With the discovery of these research scientists, the result leaves only two alternatives to consider: either accept the gray hair, or resort to a harmless lichen hair dye with active ingredients from plants.

Why doesn’t everyone react to the chemicals in hair color products?

With their new study, scientists from Copenhagen wanted to find out why only a minority of the population suffers with hypersensitivity to permanent hair dyes. The scientific research team found that the majority of people are indeed sensitized to hair dyes or the rest of the users develop an immunological tolerance.

Consumer tests simulated situation

To investigate whether an immune response takes place, the researchers exposed mice repeatedly to PPD-containing hair dyes in a manner as it is exposed to the consumer in a similar way. For this purpose, a commercial hair dye that contains PPD, was tested on animals. The local immune response was evaluated by ear swelling and by histological examinations. The immune response in the lymph nodes was analyzed by the researchers using flow cytometry, a still relatively new laboratory technique.

Inflammation and swelling worsened by repeated contact

Hair dye caused local inflammation, which was determined by swelling and cell infiltration of the treated ears. In addition, contact with the hair dye caused T-cell activation, as evidenced by the T-cell proliferation and the production of IFN gamma and IL-17 which was detected in the lymph nodes. The inflammatory reaction was at its peak after the fourth contact with the hair dye.

Effects observed on the immune system

From that point on, the team of scientists observed an up-regulation of regulatory T cells and IL-10 producing cells. The study thus shows that PPD-containing hair dyes strongly influence the immune system. In addition, it became clear that they are potent skin sensitizers that activate the inflammatory T-cells and to induce PPD-containing hair dyes and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. This may explain why many consumers using hair dye can be use the dyes repeatedly without significant development of allergies. Scientists from Denmark, however, believe that one cannot feel entirely safe doing this because facts have been raised concerning the question of whether the influence of the immune modulatory effects of hair dyes are involved in the development of autoimmune diseases and cancer.

Author: Silvia K. Müller, CSN – Chemical Sensitivity Network

Literature:

Rubin IM, Dabelsteen S, Nielsen MM, White IR, Johansen JD, Geisler C, Bonefeld CM., Repeated exposure to hair dye induces regulatory T cells in mice, Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, Br J Dermatol., May 13, 2010.