Head Lice Shampoo Linked To Leukemia

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http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/01/head_lice.html

 

 

 

 

Head Lice Shampoo Linked To Leukemia

 

 

 

January 17, 2006

French scientists are warning parents not to use chemical shampoos to

rid their children of head lice. The results, they say, could be an

increased risk of developing leukemia.

 

The French research group INSERM conducted the study, looking at 280

children who had recently been diagnosed with leukemia. Their mothers

were interviewed on a number of subjects, including any use of

insecticidal shampoos, as well as the use of pesticides and fungicides

in the home and garden.

 

Based on responses to the interview questions, scientists said they

can conclude that using insecticidal shampoos could almost double the

risk of developing leukemia. They also found the risk of developing

the disease was almost twice as likely in children whose mothers said

they had used insecticides in the home while pregnant and after birth.

 

The research did not specify any of the lice shampoo brands used by

the children, but cited ingredients such as malathion, pyrethroid and

lindane which are often in such products.

 

Leukemia is a malignant disease of the bone marrow and blood. It is

characterized by the uncontrolled accumulation of blood cells. The

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society estimates there were nearly 35,000 new

cases of leukemia in the United States in 2005. Most cases occur in

older adults, with more than half of all cases occurring after age 67.