23
2009
Lead Acetate. Toxic to us, our children and our environment
An article by 
Lead acetate is commonly found in hair dyes. This chemical is used as “color additives”.
The FDA has approved the use of lead acetate in hair dyes after strict laboratory experimentation. Subjects who used hair dyes with the chemicals were found to have “no significant increase in blood levels of lead was seen in the trial subjects and the lead was not shown to be absorbed into the body through such use”.
The FDA has also mandated hair dye producers to correctly label their products. The FDA has prescribed a regulation prescribing that the following be clearly labeled in all hair dye products containing lead acetate.
“Caution: Contains lead acetate. For external use only. Keep this product out of children’s reach. Do not use on cut or abraded scalp. If skin irritation develops, discontinue use. Do not use to color mustaches, eyelashes, eyebrows, or hair on parts of the body other than the scalp. Do not get in eyes. Follow instructions carefully and wash hands thoroughly after use.”
The public has a right to be cautious. Lead acetate is a known carcinogen. It may also cause birth defects in unborn children. It may also cause brain damage and damage to blood cells causing anemia.
Aside from possible human harm, lead acetate is toxic for the environment. It is considered a bio hazard and products containing the chemical should be disposed of accordingly.
There are hair dye alternatives that do not contain lead acetate. You can use natural ingredients like henna powder for black hair. If you want your hair to be brown, you can use amla (powdered Indian gooseberry) and walnut. Indigo when added to henna also gives off a brown shade.
