Article 6: Hair Spray – Toxins Can Contribute a Firm Hold on Allergic Reactions

Kootenai Valley Times – September 1, 2000

– by Dr. Gloria Gilbere

There is much discussion these days about people developing severe allergies as a result of living in a toxic world full of synthetic chemicals. These allergies are known as chemically induced immune system disorders or environmental illness. Since over 28% of us are affected, did you ever consider what using just one synthetic product, hair spray, can do to our pets?

Just read the warning on hair spray labels (partial list): Use only as directed. Misuse by deliberately concentrating and inhaling contents can be harmful or fatal!

Common ingredients in hair spray and most brands of styling mousse include: aerosol propellants, alcohol, carcinogenic polyvinylpyrrolidone plastic (PVP), formaldehyde, and artificial fragrance. Users of hair spray risk developing a lung disease called thesaurosis, which causes enlarged lymph nodes, lung masses, and changes in blood cells. The FDA reported that in one study, victims recovered within six months of discontinuing the use of hair spray.

Our pets also react to these toxic synthetic products polluting the quality of their air, only they can't say, "My underarms are sore, I think my nodes are enlarged." Their indoor air quality is dependent on us, who they unconditionally trust!

I know of a woman who would not believe that synthetic fragrance in her hair spray was toxic. Her daughter-in-law was chemically sensitive and knew the risks from research and personal experience; however, she did not succeed in convincing her mother-in-law. The woman's dog started to have seizures. The vet couldn't find the cause; he suggested to take notice of what events occurred within an hour or so of the seizures. It wasn't too long before the woman figured out that within minutes of spraying her hair, the dog had seizures. She stopped spraying her hair and the seizures stopped. Now her dog and daughter-in-law could tolerate being in her presence.

Be mindful; the "second hand reaction" could be yours. Keep yourself, and everyone around you safe from toxic products. Health food stores sell organic non-aerosol sprays and gels with natural fragrance; or use beer in a spray bottle as a setting lotion and spray, naturally.

This and subsequent articles are for the purpose of education and to provide support to the millions afflicted with allergies and multiple chemical sensitivity syndromes.