Researchers at Kemri have discovered a link between the use of hair relaxers and an increased risk of brain cancer.
A study conducted by Kemri identified 11 chemicals of concern (COCs) across eight different hair relaxing products. These included petrolatum and sodium hydroxide, found in all and 87.5% of the tested products respectively, with some containing both formaldehyde and isoeugenol from a single manufacturer.
Prompted by rising cancer instances in Embu County, this research also considered brands popular throughout Kenya, especially Nairobi. This local analysis correlates with international studies from the United States and Ghana which indicate that specific personal care items such as permanent dyes and chemical relaxers may elevate breast cancer risks.
The study involved 366 women aged between 15 to 50 who participated in a questionnaire-based survey focusing on their sociodemographic data along with their usage patterns for various hair products over one to two weeks including dyes and relaxers.
By referencing ingredients against hazardous substances listed in the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics’ Red List, researchers measured how frequently COCs appeared among total product ingredients. The findings concluded that certain CoCs located within these beauty enhancers are unsuitable for personal care applications—prompting concerns regarding current regulations governing PCPs related to carcinogenic risk factors needing urgent review.
Further public education about chemical contents within PCPs was deemed necessary due to potential health hazards; enabling consumers more informed decision-making when acquiring such commodities—it’s part of ongoing work analyzing wider product ranges within Kenyan markets alongside reviewing regulatory standards specifically surrounding hair straightening solutions according to Kemri scientists’ recommendations based on CSC data highlighting issues like:
- Formaldehyde or preservatives releasing it being incorporated into numerous grooming formulations.
- Concerns around absorption via skin contact potentially causing not only sensitivities but possibly cancers—the latter substantiated by literature reviews linking occupational exposures plus formaldehyde itself directly with leukemia pathogenesis.
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