Maternal hair dye use and risk of neuroblastoma in offspring.
OBJECTIVE
Studies have suggested an association between maternal hair dye use and elevated risk of childhood cancer, including neuroblastoma. We analyzed data from a large case-control study to investigate the relationship between maternal hair dye use around pregnancy and risk of neuroblastoma in offspring.


METHODS
Cases were children with neuroblastoma diagnosed between 1992 and 1994 at hospitals in the United States and Canada participating in the Children's Cancer Group or the Pediatric Oncology Group. Random-digit dialing was used to identify one matched control for each case. Information on hair dye use was gathered from telephone interviews of 538 case and 504 control mothers.


RESULTS
Use of any hair dye in the month before and/or during pregnancy was associated with a moderately increased risk of neuroblastoma (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.2-2.2). Temporary hair dye use (OR = 2.0, CI = 1.1-3.7) was more strongly associated with neuroblastoma than use of permanent hair dye (OR = 1.4, CI = 1.0-2.0).


CONCLUSIONS
Although the results of this study provide evidence of an association between maternal hair dye use and neuroblastoma, further research is necessary to evaluate effects by method of hair dye application, color, and chemical composition.
McCall
Erin E
EE
Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Olshan
Andrew F
AF
Daniels
Julie L
JL
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006202:Hair Dyes / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D009447:Neuroblastoma / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors
D006202:Hair Dyes