[Idiotic, even if it worked properly, which it never did, long-term. Can't beat combing.]
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/01/head_lice.html
Head Lice Shampoo Linked To Leukemia
January 17, 2006
French scientists are warning parents not to use chemical shampoos to rid
their children of head lice. The results, they say, could be an increased
risk of developing leukemia.
The French research group INSERM conducted the study, looking at 280
children who had recently been diagnosed with leukemia. Their mothers were
interviewed on a number of subjects, including any use of insecticidal
shampoos, as well as the use of pesticides and fungicides in the home and
garden.
Based on responses to the interview questions, scientists said they can
conclude that using insecticidal shampoos could almost double the risk of
developing leukemia. They also found the risk of developing the disease was
almost twice as likely in children whose mothers said they had used
insecticides in the home while pregnant and after birth.
The research did not specify any of the lice shampoo brands used by the
children, but cited ingredients such as malathion, pyrethroid and lindane
which are often in such products.
Leukemia is a malignant disease of the bone marrow and blood. It is
characterized by the uncontrolled accumulation of blood cells. The Leukemia
and Lymphoma Society estimates there were nearly 35,000 new cases of
leukemia in the United States in 2005. Most cases occur in older adults,
with more than half of all cases occurring after age 67.