Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Cancer Causing Elements Found In Hair Extensions, Braids, And Other Synthetic Hair Products

Braids and Extension have cancer causing elements

Hair extensions and braids are today's generation's way to look cool and be updated with the trends. However, bad news for them who use it, as a new investigation by Consumer Reports revealed that some popular synthetic hair products used for braids, twists and extension may have cancer-causing chemicals and high levels of lead. 

<h4>What Did The Consumer Reports Find?</h4>

The investigation was conducted by testing 10 synthetic hair products, which included popular brands like Magic Fingers, Sensationnel and Shake-N-Go. These are widely used by Americans, especially within the Black community.

The Consumer Report mentioned "Dangerous Chemicals Were Detected in 100% of the Braiding Hair We Tested". The report found benzene, a chemical which is known to cause acute myeloid <span>leukemia</span>, and methylene chloride, which is related to lung and liver <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cancer">cancer</a></span> after long-term exposure. 

The report also found that in one of the products tested, the level of lead exceeded California's maximum allowable dose by more than 600%. However, there are yet no existing federal limits on lead in synthetic braiding hair. 

As per the National Cancer Institute, benzene is a colorless or light-yellow liquid chemical at room temperature, which is used as a solvent in chemical and pharmaceutical industries and exposure to this chemical can increase the risk of developing leukemia and other blood disorders. The US Department of Labor also notes that methylene chloride is a solvent which is used in many different types of work activities such as paint stripping, cleaning, degreasing, and more. It also notes that employees exposed to this are at an increased risk of developing cancer, adverse effects on the heart, central nervous system and liver, and skin or eye irritation. Exposure may also occur through inhalation, by absorption through the skin or through contact with the skin. 

The biggest concern is that makers of these products which have been tested have downplayed the concerns and stood by their safety standards. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), no level of methylene chloride is permitted in cosmetics. 

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also notes that it can lead to developmental issues in children and reproductive problems in adults. 

The major concern is the long-time exposure, since protective styles like braids and locs are more often worn for weeks at a time, this means that the user is exposed to these chemicals for an extended period. This could increase potential health risks, noted the Consumer Reports. 

Alerxa Friedman, who is a senior scientists for the Environmental Working Group, a research and advocacy health organization told the NBC News, "There is no safe level of exposure to lead or benzene. When possible, exposure to either chemical should be avoided as they are associated with serious health effects."

Magic Fingers, one of the brands which was tested told the Consumer Reports that customers can "count on us for braids and extensions that meet their highest expectations for fashion and performance." The company also said that Consumer Reports' testing methods "do not fairly match the real-world way our customers use our Magic Finger products."

Sensationnel told Consumer Reports, "We unequivocally stand by the safety of Sensationnel products." While Friedman urged consumers to be more cautious. 

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Hair extensions and braids are today's generation's way to look cool and be updated with the trends. However, bad news for them who use it, as a new investigation by Consumer Reports revealed that some popular synthetic hair products used for braids, twists and extension may have cancer-causing chemicals and high levels of lead. The report was published on February 27.What Did The Consumer Reports Find?The investigation was conducted by testing 10 synthetic hair products, which included popular brands like Magic Fingers, Sensationnel and Shake-N-Go. These are widely used by Americans, especially within the Black community.The Consumer Report mentioned "Dangerous Chemicals Were Detected in 100% of the Braiding Hair We Tested". The report found benzene, a chemical which is known to cause acute myeloid leukemia, and methylene chloride, which is related to lung and liver cancer after long-term exposure. The report also found that in one of the products tested, the level of lead exceeded California's maximum allowable dose by more than 600%. However, there are yet no existing federal limits on lead in synthetic braiding hair. What Are The Health Concerns?As per the National Cancer Institute, benzene is a colorless or light-yellow liquid chemical at room temperature, which is used as a solvent in chemical and pharmaceutical industries and exposure to this chemical can increase the risk of developing leukemia and other blood disorders. The US Department of Labor also notes that methylene chloride is a solvent which is used in many different types of work activities such as paint stripping, cleaning, degreasing, and more. It also notes that employees exposed to this are at an increased risk of developing cancer, adverse effects on the heart, central nervous system and liver, and skin or eye irritation. Exposure may also occur through inhalation, by absorption through the skin or through contact with the skin. The biggest concern is that makers of these products which have been tested have downplayed the concerns and stood by their safety standards. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), no level of methylene chloride is permitted in cosmetics. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also notes that it can lead to developmental issues in children and reproductive problems in adults. Why Are Braids A Concern?The major concern is the long-time exposure, since protective styles like braids and locs are more often worn for weeks at a time, this means that the user is exposed to these chemicals for an extended period. This could increase potential health risks, noted the Consumer Reports. Alerxa Friedman, who is a senior scientists for the Environmental Working Group, a research and advocacy health organization told the NBC News, "There is no safe level of exposure to lead or benzene. When possible, exposure to either chemical should be avoided as they are associated with serious health effects."What Did The Brands Say?Magic Fingers, one of the brands which was tested told the Consumer Reports that customers can "count on us for braids and extensions that meet their highest expectations for fashion and performance." The company also said that Consumer Reports' testing methods "do not fairly match the real-world way our customers use our Magic Finger products."Sensationnel told Consumer Reports, "We unequivocally stand by the safety of Sensationnel products." While Friedman urged consumers to be more cautious. 