Disease Proof

A study published in last week’s American Journal of Epidemiology reveals a link between hair dye and lymphoma risk. Reuters reports:

The researchers found an overall 19 percent increased risk of lymphoma among people who reported coloring their hair. The increased risk was 26 percent among those who used hair dye 12 or more times a year.

People who began coloring their hair before 1980 showed a 37 percent increased lymphoma risk, while those who had only dyed their hair before 1980, but not afterwards, showed a 62 percent increased risk.

Based on the findings, de Sanjose and her team calculate that roughly 10 percent of lymphomas in women could be due to the use of hair dye.