Hair Dye Controversy Brewing Across the Pond

Nov
30
2011
In the November 10th Toxic Nation newsletter, we reported that support is building in the UK for a ban on PPD (p-Phenylenediamine), an ingredient common in hair dyes sold in the United Kingdom and Canada. In October, Scottish teen Tabatha McCourt ...

In the November 10th Toxic Nation newsletter, we reported that support is building in the UK for a ban on PPD (p-Phenylenediamine), an ingredient common in hair dyes sold in the United Kingdom and Canada. In October, Scottish teen Tabatha McCourt died soon after applying hair dye. A severe allergic reaction to PPD was the suspected cause. Following another incident, concern about PPD has increased.

 
On November 22, The Daily Mail reported that yet another woman in the UK has suffered from what appears to be a severe reaction to the chemical. Julie McCabe, a 38-year-old mother of two, is now in a coma and doctors have told her husband that if she survives, she will likely have permanent brain damage.
 
This news has resulted in increased interest in a UK ban on PPD in hair dye. Anti-PPD Facebook pages have sprung up, and a petition being circulated by a Manchester lawyer is gaining signatures as the story circulates.
 
The fact that consumers abroad are concerned makes one wonder if the controversy will spill over to Canada as well. In Canada, PPD is not permitted for use in makeup, but it is a common ingredient in hair dye- that is why a patch test is recommended prior to using many dyes. While severe reactions are rare, PPD is a sensitizer, and reactions can develop suddenly in people who have not experienced prior problems with the chemical.
 
At Environmental Defence, we recommended avoiding the use of products containing PPD altogether. If it's not safe for use on skin, it stands to reason that keeping it well away from your scalp would be a healthy choice!
 
Download our Toxic Ten pocket shopping guide for help with avoiding chemicals like PPD, and sign up for our Toxic Nation e-newsletter for updates on these issues, and monthly tips on non-toxic living. 

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