Greg Almond of Almond Solicitors in Manchester has previously worked for law firms representing claimants and defendants in personal injury cases. Mr Almond, 29, says that solicitors have a wider role that simply that of representing individuals, which is why he has set up a campaign to get a particular chemical used in hair dyes banned.
Named allergen of the year by the American Contact Dermatitis Society, para-phenylenediamine (PPD) is used in home hair dye kits. The European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Cosmetics and Non-Food Products has recently revealed that there are insufficient data to ensure the products are safe – and Almond Solicitors are concerned that many people will use products containing PPD, unaware of the risks, particularly that it can cause dermatitis.
Chloe Robbins, aged 14, had such severe reactions to a hair dye containing PPD that she had to be rushed to hospital. She did a patch test before applying the dye to her head, and had suffered no ill consequences from the patch test, but after using the hair dye she had severe itching and redness on her scalp. The next day her condition deteriorated with severe swelling to her face, eyes and neck. One week later Chloe was still suffering from the effect of the hair dye. It is thought that Chloe could be affected for life.
Mr Almond also fears that people are unaware that they can claim compensation in cases such as these. He is calling for hair and cosmetic businesses to support the campaign. Carol Walker, a trichologist who has been calling for years for use of this chemical to be banned, says use of products containing PPD is increasing and therefore reactions are on the rise as well.
Two Parliamentary questions have been raised on the issue, and the campaign has the backing of MPs Tony Lloyd, David Nuttall and Ivan Lewis.
As well as calling for PPD to be banned, Almond Solicitors are calling for:
Compulsory patch testing in all hair dressers prior to treatment
Mandatory state registration of all hairdressers
Hairdressing salons to provide non-latex gloves to all employees who work with bleach, colours, shampoo and water.
Source: Almond Solicitors
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