Using the Ames semiquantitative technique with metabolic activation by the postmitochondrial fraction of rat liver homogenate preprocessed by phenobarbital sodium salt (for induction of monooxygenases of mixed function) potential mutagenic activity of 17 colouring balms which are used as cosmetic products for hair dyeing has been studied. The balms include water soluble dyes and pigments depositing on the surface of the hair. These colours are removable by a single effective shampooing. Potential mutagenic activity of almost all investigated colouring products has been shown. Three compositions (red tree, chestnut and black) have appeared to be the most active inductors of gene mutations showing the effect of «mean force» according to our classification. One of balms (burgund) has appeared as genetically inert. The rest balms have shown mutagen effect of «gentle force» with the ratio of control value excess from 2 up to 5-fold.
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