Owerri Owerri: Well-groomed hair is a symbol of beauty for many black Africans womenNatural hair requires special care and attention, however, which can be time consuming. Wigs (human or Synthetic Hair), wave-ons and other artificial hair extensions offer women an alternative to their natural hair.

In NigeriaThese options are very popular among women both young and old. The synthetic hair value chain is a huge business worth millions of dollars and is run by both local and foreign industries. Hairdressing salons thrive, providing styling and grooming services for women.

But we found that there are Contaminants Hidden in synthetic hair. Man-made fibers go through various chemical processes to make them look and feel like human hair. The raw materials used to make some of the products are toxic. And hair products are mainly made of plastic that is not biodegradable, which is harmful to the environment.

In our study in Nigeria, we examined 10 synthetic hair brands commonly worn by women. Some were made in Nigeria, others in China, Ghana and the USA. We found they all contained varying levels of contaminants such as silver, cadmium, chromium, nickel, vanadium and lead, with many containing Insecticides Which are dangerous for human health.

Synthetic hair is usually worn close to the head. Women who wear it should be aware of its potential harm.

Regulators should ensure that manufacturers of synthetic hair stop using plastic-based synthetic products and instead use natural plant fibres and protein blends. These hair fibres are biodegradable and free from harmful chemicals.

Our study

We purchased 10 popular synthetic hair brands (Catherine, Eye Candy, Gold, Calypso, LVH, Dazzler, Mini Bob, Nectar, Diana, and X-pression) in various colors from Ariaria International Market in Aba, southeastern Abia State.

The samples were analysed in the laboratory.

We detected its presence using US standard methods for testing water and wastewater. heavy metals (such as cadmium, zinc, lead, chromium, manganese, iron, mercury, copper and nickel) found in synthetic hair.

We found a significant amount of heavy metals. One of them, lead, is used to stabilize the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) from which synthetic hair is made. Lead compounds (such as basic lead carbonate, lead stearate and lead phthalate) keep PVC from breaking down from heat, light or wear, and make it easier to shape.

However, lead is dangerous to humans. It affects cell membranes, DNA, and antioxidant defense systems. Lead also interferes with the normal development of a child’s brain and nervous system.

The metals used to stabilize the polymers are not bonded to it. They can leach out over time or when exposed to light. So, when women wear synthetic hair, whether in the form of attachments, weave-ons or wigs, on their heads or as fake eyelashes, they risk exposure to lead and other heavy metals. This is the case with all synthetic hair brands made from plastic.

Exposure to heavy metals in humans is associated with a number of biological risks, such as damage to the kidneys, liver, lungs, reproductive system, and nervous system. It is also linked to cancer, skin irritation, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases.

We also found that synthetic hair samples were contaminated with 11 chemical compounds that are pesticides. The levels of these chemicals found in the hair were higher than the permissible limits, making them hazardous to health.

Since they were present in significant amounts, we suspect they were used as a preservative by the manufacturers.

The hair samples we studied also contained high levels of nitrate. This has not been reported in previous studies on synthetic hair. Exposure to high levels of nitrate can cause diseases such as cancer, enlargement of the thyroid gland, and methemoglobinemia (a blood disorder).

Why does it matter?

Exposure poisonous chemicals We found that the harmful substances present in synthetic hair can cause serious health consequences. Apart from damaging vital organs, they can cause infertility, birth defects, asthma, bronchitis and cancer. They also cause attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, endocrine system disturbances and respiratory diseases, among other things.

People who wear synthetic hair should consider these risks, especially because chemicals and heavy metals can be harmful even at low levels.

Since there are large manufacturers of synthetic hair in Lagos, Nigeria, the National Food and Drug Administration and Control Agency should constantly review and evaluate the safety of the chemical ingredients used in making these products.

Companies that manufacture synthetic hair have other options. They can use high-quality synthetic fibres like Hyperlon instead of plastic fibres. They should use fibres that are free from PVC and toxic substances and use environmentally friendly fibres. (The Conversation) RUP