Dangerous Chemicals and Headlice Treatment (part 1)
headlice July 31st, 2007
When Licenders started providing head lice treatment, we used the lice shampoo products that were available in the regular national chain drug stores. However, we found that those products were not sufficiently getting rid of head lice. After following the directions, we still found live bugs in the hair. This led us to research what was going on. That’s when we came across the concept of chemical resistant lice. But we also became more informed about chemicals, and how they could affect our clients. We found out some pretty frightening information: Pesticide based lice shampoo contains ingredients which are known or suspected to cause cancer, affect the nervous system, and have other harmful effects. They can trigger asthma or allergic responses. Children, especially children with asthma and allergies, are more vulnerable than adults to these chemicals. Your home is supposed to be a safe place for your children. Home remedies for head lice shouldn’t be dangerous. Nix®, Elimite®, Acticin®, and Lyclear™ are hair lice treatments that contain permethrin. Permethrin is a synthetic version of an extract from the chrysanthemum. Such chemicals are called pyrethroids. Exposure to pyrethroids can cause skin irritation or sneezing, nasal stuffiness, or breathing difficulties. Children with a history of allergies or asthma are particularly sensitive. It may also produce numbing, tingling, and burning sensations. The EPA has permethrin classified as a possible cancer-causing agent. And it’s being used in order to treat headlice! Rid®, Pronto®, and R&C®, more remedies for head lice, contain pyrethrum and piperony butoxide. Pyrethrum is a natural insecticide made from chrysanthemums. Pyrethrum can trigger allergic responses like skin rashes, hives and asthma. There have been cases where this chemical insecticide caused a human fatal asthma attack. It has been directly linked to neurological problems, causing paralysis and general muscle weakness. To add insult to injury, piperonyl butoxide is a synthetic chemical that increases the potency of pyrethrum. Kids are being exposed to such risks! Why? To get rid of hair lice and nits. It’s hard to believe, but it’s true. There’s still more disturbing stuff… (to be continued)