A call for further investigation of a claim that there is an increased risk of cancer among women using hair dyes frequently has been made by the EU consumer body.
A study has indicated increased risk of bladder cancer among women using permanent hair dyes frequently over an extended period. It found the potential risk seemed to increase with the number of years using the dye and the frequency of use compared to non-users. The risk seemed to double among those who used permanent hair dyes at least once a month.
The results were published as an opinion by the European Commission scientific advisory committee and yesterday the European consumers' association, BEUC, expressed concern about the slow progress in following up the opinion.
"Much more needs to be done both to assess the risk more fully and to advise consumers on what they might do to reduce or minimise the risk," Mr Jim Murray, BEUC director, said.
Mr Dermott Jewell, of the Consumers' Association of Ireland, said there was a feeling that the Commission had not been doing enough to follow up on possible problems for consumers. "It's important not to cause any degree of panic but it is also important to flag the matter and draw attention to it, if only to dispel fears that might be there," he said.