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The Right-to-Lice Movement 

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Lice Are Not Nice, but Some Cures Are Worse
The toxic lice treatments recommended in "The Right-to-Lice Movement" [KidLife, June 24] carry serious health risks to children, given their neurotoxic effects. In fact, the organophosphate chemicals suggested as a
"best bet" have been clearly linked to nervous system disorders and learning disabilities, and many communities have stopped using the suggested malathion for mosquito control because of its toxic properties. Other recommended chemicals in the pyrethroid family are nervous system poisons and linked to disruption of the endocrine system and the delicate hormonal balance that regulates children's growth, development, sexual traits and many other functions. Permethrin is a possible carcinogen, according to the EPA.

How, you ask, do these products get on the market for use on children, known to be the most vulnerable to toxic pesticide exposure? Reports from the National Academy of Sciences and General Accounting Office tell us that the pesticide laws do not adequately protect children. Meanwhile, there are enzyme treatments on the market that loosen nits from the hair and allow parents to avoid the hazardous chemicals altogether. For more information on pesticides, alternatives and lice treatment, see www.beyondpesticides.org.


Jay Feldman, Executive Director
Beyond Pesticides

NOTE FROM STEVE:

Thanks Jay,

Some alternative "lice cures" can also be worse for the child. If the alternative lice treatment/shampoo contains enzymes, that enzyme should only be a safe protease enzyme and then only at 1% or less. Using over 1% protease enzymes can cause occupational asthma and/or anaphylactic shock in addition to eye and skin irritations. In Cincinnati, I heard at the School Nurse Convention last month that Arizona had banned the use of (competitive) enzyme shampoos because of all the dermal and/or ocular burning. Lice R Gone is currently the only FDA approved enzyme shampoo. Lice R Gone is currently the only enzyme shampoo with a certificate of analysis and dermal and ocular lab tests. Lice R Gone is currently the only enzyme shampoo that contains 1% or less protease and no other enzyme contaminants. Lice R Gone is currently the only enzyme shampoo that has a normal pH the others have a 3.5pH or less - acid burns. Lice R Gone only requires 1/2 ounce of shampoo to remove all of the nits and lice in 5 - 10 minutes and costs less than a dollar to safely treat the lice/nit infestation.

Have a great day! All the best, Steve

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