Swimmer's Green Hair

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Abstract
To the Editor.— In a recent report, Lampe et al1 described the occurrence of green scalp-hair in children with blond hair and linked this occurrence to the use of copper-based algicides in swimming pools. In fact, these authors proved their hypothesis by immersing blond hair in a 1% copper sulfate solution for eight hours, thus reproducing the green tint that is imparted on blond hair by swimming pool water. I have noted green hair in two of my children who have blond hair and who are active swimmers on a swim team. Indeed, I have observed green hair in many blond children who regularly participate in swim-practice or competitive swimming events. The coloration is best appreciated when wet hair is observed in bright sunlight. However, when the hair is dry, the green coloration can be easily noticed as well (Fig 1 and 2).

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