Owerri, Well-groomed hair is a symbol of beauty for many black African women. However, natural hair requires special care and attention, which can be time-consuming. Wigs (human or synthetic hair), weaves, and other artificial hair extensions offer women an alternative to natural hair.
In Nigeria, these alternatives are very popular among women, both young and old. The synthetic hair value chain is a big business worth millions of dollars and is driven by local and foreign industries. Hair salons are flourishing and offering hair styling and grooming services for women.
But we have discovered that there are contaminants hidden in synthetic hair. Synthetic fibers go through several chemical processes to make them look and feel more like human hair. The raw materials used to make some of the products are toxic. And hair products are mainly made of plastics that are not biodegradable, which is bad for the environment. In our study in Nigeria, we researched 10 brands of synthetic hair that are commonly used by women. Some were made in Nigeria, others in China, Ghana and the United States. We found that they all had different levels of contaminants such as silver, cadmium, chromium, nickel, vanadium and lead, including several pesticides that are dangerous to human health.
Synthetic hair is usually worn close to the scalp. Women who use it should be aware of the potential harm.
Regulators should ensure that synthetic hair manufacturers stop using plastic-based synthetic products and instead use natural plant fibers and protein blends. These hair fibers are biodegradable and do not contain harmful chemicals.Our study
We purchased 10 popular brands of synthetic hair of various colors (Catherine, Eye Candy, Gold, Calypso, LVH, Dazzler, Mini Bob, Nectar, Diana and X-pression) at Ariaria International Market in Aba, South Eastern State of Abia .
The samples were analyzed in a laboratory. We used standard US methods for the examination of water and wastewater to determine the presence of heavy metals (such as cadmium, zinc, lead, chromium, manganese, iron, mercury, copper and nickel) in synthetic hair.
We find heavy metals in significant quantities. One of them, lead, is used to stabilize the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that synthetic hair is made of. Lead compounds (such as basic lead carbonate, lead stearate, and lead phthalate) prevent heat, light, or wear from breaking down PVC and make it easier to set.
However, lead is dangerous to humans. It affects the membranes, DNA and antioxidant defense systems of cells. Lead also interferes with the normal development of a child's brain and nervous system. The metals used to stabilize the polymer are not bonded to it. They can leak over time or when exposed to light. Therefore, when women wear synthetic hair, whether as accessories, weaves or wigs, on their heads or as false eyelashes, they risk exposure to lead and other heavy metals. This is the case with all brands of synthetic hair made from plastic.
In humans, exposure to heavy metals is associated with various biological risks, such as damage to the kidneys, liver, lungs, reproductive system, and nervous system. It has also been associated with cancer, skin irritations, asthma and cardiovascular disease.
We also found that the synthetic hair samples were contaminated with 11 chemical compounds that are pesticides. The levels of these chemicals found in the hair exceeded permitted limits, making them dangerous to health. Since they were present in significant quantities, we suspect that the manufacturers used them as a form of preservative.
We also found high levels of nitrate in the hair samples we studied. This has not been reported in previous studies on synthetic hair. Exposure to high levels of nitrate can cause diseases such as cancer, an enlarged thyroid gland, and methemoglobinemia (a blood disorder).
Why this mattersExposure to the toxic chemicals found in synthetic hair can have serious health consequences. In addition to damaging vital organs, they can cause infertility, birth defects, asthma, bronchitis and cancer. They also cause attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, alterations of the endocrine system and respiratory diseases, among others.
People who use synthetic hair should consider these risks, especially since chemicals and heavy metals can be harmful even at low levels.
Since Nigeria has large synthetic hair manufacturers in Lagos, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control must constantly review and evaluate the safety of chemical ingredients used in the manufacture of these products.Synthetic hair manufacturers have other options. They can use high-quality synthetic fibers such as hyperlon instead of plastic fibers. They must use fibers free of PVC and toxic materials, and opt for environmentally friendly fibers. (The conversation)
RUP
In Nigeria, these alternatives are very popular among women, both young and old. The synthetic hair value chain is a big business worth millions of dollars and is driven by local and foreign industries. Hair salons are flourishing and offering hair styling and grooming services for women.
But we have discovered that there are contaminants hidden in synthetic hair. Synthetic fibers go through several chemical processes to make them look and feel more like human hair. The raw materials used to make some of the products are toxic. And hair products are mainly made of plastics that are not biodegradable, which is bad for the environment. In our study in Nigeria, we researched 10 brands of synthetic hair that are commonly used by women. Some were made in Nigeria, others in China, Ghana and the United States. We found that they all had different levels of contaminants such as silver, cadmium, chromium, nickel, vanadium and lead, including several pesticides that are dangerous to human health.
Synthetic hair is usually worn close to the scalp. Women who use it should be aware of the potential harm.
Regulators should ensure that synthetic hair manufacturers stop using plastic-based synthetic products and instead use natural plant fibers and protein blends. These hair fibers are biodegradable and do not contain harmful chemicals.Our study
We purchased 10 popular brands of synthetic hair of various colors (Catherine, Eye Candy, Gold, Calypso, LVH, Dazzler, Mini Bob, Nectar, Diana and X-pression) at Ariaria International Market in Aba, South Eastern State of Abia .
The samples were analyzed in a laboratory. We used standard US methods for the examination of water and wastewater to determine the presence of heavy metals (such as cadmium, zinc, lead, chromium, manganese, iron, mercury, copper and nickel) in synthetic hair.
We find heavy metals in significant quantities. One of them, lead, is used to stabilize the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that synthetic hair is made of. Lead compounds (such as basic lead carbonate, lead stearate, and lead phthalate) prevent heat, light, or wear from breaking down PVC and make it easier to set.
However, lead is dangerous to humans. It affects the membranes, DNA and antioxidant defense systems of cells. Lead also interferes with the normal development of a child's brain and nervous system. The metals used to stabilize the polymer are not bonded to it. They can leak over time or when exposed to light. Therefore, when women wear synthetic hair, whether as accessories, weaves or wigs, on their heads or as false eyelashes, they risk exposure to lead and other heavy metals. This is the case with all brands of synthetic hair made from plastic.
In humans, exposure to heavy metals is associated with various biological risks, such as damage to the kidneys, liver, lungs, reproductive system, and nervous system. It has also been associated with cancer, skin irritations, asthma and cardiovascular disease.
We also found that the synthetic hair samples were contaminated with 11 chemical compounds that are pesticides. The levels of these chemicals found in the hair exceeded permitted limits, making them dangerous to health. Since they were present in significant quantities, we suspect that the manufacturers used them as a form of preservative.
We also found high levels of nitrate in the hair samples we studied. This has not been reported in previous studies on synthetic hair. Exposure to high levels of nitrate can cause diseases such as cancer, an enlarged thyroid gland, and methemoglobinemia (a blood disorder).
Why this mattersExposure to the toxic chemicals found in synthetic hair can have serious health consequences. In addition to damaging vital organs, they can cause infertility, birth defects, asthma, bronchitis and cancer. They also cause attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, alterations of the endocrine system and respiratory diseases, among others.
People who use synthetic hair should consider these risks, especially since chemicals and heavy metals can be harmful even at low levels.
Since Nigeria has large synthetic hair manufacturers in Lagos, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control must constantly review and evaluate the safety of chemical ingredients used in the manufacture of these products.Synthetic hair manufacturers have other options. They can use high-quality synthetic fibers such as hyperlon instead of plastic fibers. They must use fibers free of PVC and toxic materials, and opt for environmentally friendly fibers. (The conversation)
RUP
