Your Health: Dec. 14, 1998

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Good News on Hair Dyes

Go ahead, blonds, have more fun--brunettes too. Contrary to previous studies, a new report concludes there's no link between hair dyes and non-Hodgkins lymphoma. People who don't color their hair are just as likely to come down with the cancer as those who do, according to the eight-year study. All colors and all types of dye--including temporary, semi-permanent and permanent--get a clean bill of health.

Bad News on Skating Rinks

There's trouble in the air for ice skaters. Indoor rinks that are scraped smooth with fuel-powered ice-resurfacers--commonly known as Zamboni machines--may harbor high levels of nitrogen dioxide. The gas can cause chest tightening, difficulty breathing and exacerbate asthma. Look for rinks that are well ventilated--or those cleaned with electricity-powered Zambonis.

Good News on Blindness

A study shows that radiation treatments can help stem the progress of "wet" macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness. Vision was stabilized for at least a year in 60% of patients who received the radiation. One big advantage: it can be used on patients for whom laser surgery, the standard treatment, doesn't work.

Bad News on Pennies

Attention parents: doctors warn that pennies minted after 1982 can be a hazard if swallowed and not excreted. The newer coins are made with zinc. When the metal combines with stomach acid, the result is so corrosive, an ulcer can develop within just a few days.

--By Janice M. Horowitz

Sources: American Journal of Public Health (1 & 2); Radiological Society of North America (3 & 4)