their response to my email


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Posted by Alissa on August 27, 2001 at 15:32:59:

In reply to: New Scientist Article from 8/15: "Henna tattoos can cause severe allergic reactions' posted by Anne Beltestad on August 26, 2001 at 22:47:22:

Heres what they said, and below it what I wrote.

____________________________________________________________________
Thank you for your email.

All emails are read. If a response is required
we will contact you in due course.

New Scientist website



----------- Your original message is below ----------

Dear Editor,

I am writing to request that a correction, or clarification, be added
to your article on henna (site www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?
id=nw99991160).

An important distinction should be made between natural and
unadulterated henna, that is 100% lawsonious inermis, and the toxic
chemical p-phenylenediamine, also known as PPD, which is marketed
incorrectly as "black henna." This non-organic substance, when
mistakenly labeled as “black henna,” has been known to cause skin
lesions, permanent scarring, as well as the risk for liver damage.
The chemical PPD, unlike the hennotannic acid within unadulterated
henna, is known to pass through the epidermal layers and into the
blood stream. This product is extremely dangerous. However, do not
make the mistake of assuming that all henna products contain this, or
other
harmful additives.

Natural henna leaves a reddish brown colored stain, not black, and
does not require additives in order
to produce them on the hair or skin, but are instead the result of
hennotannic acid released from the ground leaves of an unadulterated
henna plant. This method of body decoration has been traced back to
usage several thousand years before our time, and poses little to no
physical threat to most people.

Currently the FDA regulations on natural henna as a hair colorant
deem it so safe it no longer warrants regulation. PPD, unlike natural
henna, has had permanent and damaging effects on many unsuspecting
users when applied by unscrupulous individuals eager to cash in on
the mehndi trend.

In the interest of sharing the most accurate information, please make
clear to your readers the difference between natural, unadulterated
henna, deemed safe for use by the FDA, and the toxic chemical p-
phenylenediamine ("black henna") and the inherit dangers of this non-
henna product.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Alissa Hall
Mehndi/Henna artist
Albuquerque N.M.

 


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