Beware! Laser hair removal might cause cancer

Dermatologists warn that laser hair removal treatment done by untrained staff or an inadequately equipped facility can put both the healthcare workers and patients at the risk of cancer.

Written By: Agencies | Published : July 17, 2016 8:28 PM IST

Laser hair removal treatments may seem worth the big price tag, but it turns out, with the smooth, hairless skin comes a health risk. According to experts, that smoke from burning hair could be bad for you and worst for those who are regularly exposed to the smoke as it contains chemicals that irritate the airways and are known to cause cancer, the Daily Mail reported. Read: How effective is laser hair removal treatment?

Dr Gary Chuang of the University of California, said, Laser hair removal performed by improperly trained personnel or in an inadequately equipped facility will put both the healthcare workers and patients at risk. Here are 8 tips to get rid of unwanted hair for men.

He added that the procedures should only be performed in spaces with an adequate air filtration system and a smoke evacuator. The team collected hair samples from two volunteers, sealed the samples in glass jars, treated them with a laser and captured 30 seconds of laser plume. Read: Threading, waxing or laser: Which option should you go for?

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They identified 377 chemical compounds in the smoke, including 20 that are known environmental toxins, such as carbon monoxide, and 13 that are known or suspected to cause cancer. Read: Things you should know before going for laser hair removal treatment.

The researchers conclude that the burning-hair plume released during laser hair treatment should be considered a biohazard, warranting the use of smoke evacuators, good ventilation, and respiratory protection. The study is published in JAMA Dermatology. Read: Experts answer your queries on laser hair removal.

Source: ANI

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