Margaret A Briggs-Kamara, Alaiyi G Warmate, Yehuwdah E Chad-Umoren and Chukwuemeka M Ibechedor
Keywords: Hair dye, elemental composition, flame atomic absorption spectroscopy, neutron activation, trace concentrations, cancerous effects.
Abstract: In this study, two hair dye types, one liquid and the other solid, were analyzed to determine their elemental compositions and possible radioactivity. The liquid dye sample was analyzed using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy and based on the American Standard Test Method (ASTM), five ions namely: Fe2+, Pb2+, Cd2+, S2-, and SO4 2- were detected with concentrations of 0.702, 0.002, 0.003, 0.044, and 0.059mg.l-1 respectively. The solid hair dye sample was analyzed using the Neutron Activation Analysis technique. Eighteen elements (Al, Ti, K, Fe, Na, V, Mn, Sb, La, Sm, Sc, Cs, Eu, Br, Ce, and Th) were measured. Six of the elements (Al, Na, Eu, Br, Ce, and Th) were found in trace concentrations of 31.9± 5.4, 40.6 ± 5.9, 0.16 ± 0.05, 0.18 ± 0.04, 0.37 ± 0.08, and 0.13± 0.02 ppm respectively. Ce and Eu presently have no known negative effect on humans, while Pb, Cd, and Fe cannot easily get into the body through skin absorption. Hence the application of dyes containing these elements may not bring about effects associated with the intake of these elements, unless the dye mistakenly finds its way into food. The presence of Al, Na, Br, Th, S, and SO4 could result to those adverse effects associated with each element. In addition, the major active ingredient; Paraphelylene diamine (1, 4- diaminobenzene) has cancerous effects usually directed at the bladder.
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