Scientists Warn Popular Hair Extensions Contain Cancer‑Linked Chemicals

A new study has revealed that many popular hair extensions, including those made from human hair, contain chemicals linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and reproductive harm, raising serious health concerns for consumers worldwide. The findings, published in the American Chemical Society journal Environment & Health, represent the most comprehensive chemical analysis of this largely unregulated beauty product category to date.

Researchers from the Silent Spring Institute tested 43 hair extension products purchased from online retailers and local beauty supply stores. These included synthetic fibers and bio-based materials, such as human, banana, and silk hair. Using advanced non-targeted chemical analysis and high-resolution mass spectrometry, scientists detected over 900 chemical signatures, identifying 169 distinct chemicals. Most of the samples contained hazardous substances linked to cancer, hormone disruption, developmental harm, and immune system effects.

Among the dangerous compounds detected were phthalates, styrene, pesticides, flame retardants, tetrachloroethane, and organotins. Some chemicals, such as organotins, were found at levels exceeding European Union safety limits, while 17 chemicals identified in 36 products were linked to breast cancer and hormone disruption. Only two products tested were free of hazardous chemicals and labeled “non-toxic”.

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Lead author Dr. Elissia Franklin said the study highlights the disproportionate exposure risk faced by Black women, who use hair extensions at much higher rates than other demographic groups. Surveys show that more than 70 percent of Black women reported wearing extensions at least once in the past year, compared with fewer than 10 percent of women from other racial or ethnic groups. Franklin explained that extensions are often worn for cultural expression, personal style, and convenience, yet users are largely unaware of the health risks posed by prolonged chemical exposure.

Because hair extensions rest directly against the scalp and neck, wearers may experience extended skin contact, and heating during styling can release chemicals into the air, leading to inhalation exposure. The study also found that manufacturers rarely disclose the full list of chemicals used to make extensions flame-resistant, waterproof, or antimicrobial, leaving consumers in the dark about potential hazards.

Consumer advocates are calling for stricter regulation, mandatory ingredient disclosure, and safer product alternatives. With the global hair extension market projected to exceed $14 billion by 2028, experts warn that millions of users could face cumulative exposure to toxic chemicals unless companies and regulators take action.

Dr. Franklin concluded: “These findings make clear that stronger oversight is urgently needed to protect consumers and push companies to invest in making safer products. No one should have to choose between cultural expression, convenience, and their health.”

Scientists Warn Popular Hair Extensions Contain Cancer‑Linked Chemicals

Lassa Fever Deaths in Nigeria Rise to 51 After 15 Killed in Early February – NCDC

Nigeria is facing a rising Lassa fever outbreak in 2026, with 15 deaths recorded in the first week of February, pushing the total fatalities from confirmed cases to 51 between the first and sixth epidemiological weeks, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported. This reflects the continued severity of the viral haemorrhagic disease. The 15 deaths reported between February 2 and 8 translate to a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 21.3 per cent, higher than the 19.4 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025, despite a decline in overall suspected cases compared to last year.

Two healthcare workers were also infected in week six of the outbreak, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by frontline responders. Cumulative data for 2026 show 1,034 suspected cases, 240 confirmed cases, and four probable cases, spread across 10 states and 42 Local Government Areas (LGAs). For comparison, during the same period in 2025, Nigeria recorded 1,913 suspected cases, 413 confirmed infections, and 80 deaths across 11 states and 63 LGAs, showing a reduction in suspected cases but persistence of high fatality rates.

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In the latest reporting week alone, 15 deaths occurred from 74 confirmed infections out of 271 suspected cases, resulting in a weekly CFR of 20.3 per cent. Confirmed cases increased from 44 in epidemiological week 5 to 74 in week 6, indicating a week-on-week rise in infections. The new confirmed cases were reported across eight states — Taraba, Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, and Ebonyi — affecting 24 LGAs.

Data analysis shows that 89 per cent of confirmed infections in 2026 are concentrated in four high-burden states: Bauchi (38%), Taraba (22%), Ondo (20%), and Edo (9%), while the remaining 11 per cent of cases were reported from six other states. The outbreak predominantly affects people aged 21 to 30 years, although cases range from 1 to 74 years, with a median age of 29 years. The male-to-female ratio among confirmed cases stands at approximately 1:0.7.

To manage the outbreak, the NCDC has activated the National Lassa Fever Multi-Partner, Multi-Sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) to coordinate surveillance, case management, laboratory support, and risk communication across affected states. The agency has urged citizens to adopt preventive measures such as improving sanitation and hygiene, practicing rodent control, ensuring early presentation of suspected cases at health facilities, and cooperating with public health authorities. The NCDC emphasised that timely intervention, early treatment with Ribavirin, and community awareness are critical to reducing fatalities and containing the outbreak.

Lassa Fever Deaths in Nigeria Rise to 51 After 15 Killed in Early February – NCDC

Ramadan Health Tips: Six Ways to Stay Hydrated While Fasting

Staying hydrated during Ramadan is essential for maintaining energy, focus, and overall well-being while observing long hours of fasting. Health experts warn that poor hydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and reduced concentration. Below are six essential, numbered tips to help you stay properly hydrated throughout the holy month:

1. Drink Enough Water Between Iftar and Suhoor
Ensure you consume 6–8 glasses of water between Iftar and Suhoor. Spread your intake gradually instead of drinking large amounts at once, allowing your body to absorb fluids effectively.

2. Break Your Fast With Water
Start Iftar with water to quickly replace fluids lost during the day and prepare your digestive system for food. Avoid sugary or carbonated drinks at this stage, as they can increase thirst later.

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3. Eat Water-Rich Foods
Include fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as watermelon, oranges, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, and soups. These foods support hydration while providing essential nutrients.

4. Reduce Salty, Spicy, and Fried Foods
Limit foods high in salt, oil, and spices, especially at Suhoor, as they increase thirst and can cause dehydration during fasting hours.

5. Limit Caffeine Intake
Reduce consumption of coffee, tea, and energy drinks, as caffeine has a diuretic effect that causes the body to lose more fluids. If taken, balance it with extra water.

6. Never Skip Suhoor
Suhoor plays a crucial role in hydration and energy. Eat a balanced pre-dawn meal that includes water, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein to help sustain you throughout the day.

Maintaining proper hydration during Ramadan fasting helps support digestion, boosts energy levels, and keeps the body functioning optimally throughout the holy month.

Ramadan Health Tips: Six Ways to Stay Hydrated While Fasting