Medicine: Eyes & Dyes

In the Department of Agriculture’s “chamber of horrors” last month Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt discovered two photographs, pressed them to her breast crying, “I cannot bear to look at them” (TIME, Nov. 20). The photographs were of a woman who had got some “Lash-Lure,” an eyebrow & eyelash dye, in her eyes. Last fortnight the Journal of the American Medical Association reported 17 such victims of the latest U. S. beauty fad, one of them facing total blindness. First city in the land to act was New York. Last week its Health Department banned the manufacture, sale and use of brow & lash dyes containing aniline derivatives or metallic salts.

Investigators had found no victims in the city, but had discovered dangerous dyes in use in beauty parlors, on sale in drug stores. Last week the Health Department had condemned “Lash-Lure” and “Di-Lash,” had not yet completed analyses of “Coloura,” “Ey-Tec” and “Ey-dolize.” From reputable physicians the A. M. A. has received reports of damage done by “Louise Norris.” “Loris.” “Perma Coleur” and “Larieuse.” Like all cosmetics, these dyes are now outside Federal control which would be extended to them if & when Congress passes the proposed new Federal Food & Drugs (“Tugwell”) Bill.

Announcing New York’s ban. Health Commissioner Wynne thoughtfully reminded women & girls who insist on darkening their brows and lashes that they may still enjoy the harmless though perishable effects of eyebrow pencils or mascara.