I have read with some trepidation the discussion of using gentian violet
on nipples and in the mouths of babies.  I used to recommend it until I
began hearing about studies of potential genotoxicity (chromosomal
damage) and carcinogenicity in laboratory animals. In 1995 NTP The
agency also nominated gentian violet for study by the NTP (the National
Toxicology Program of the National Institute of Environmental Health
Sciences) after reviewing the available data and deciding that a
definitive conclusion regarding its carcinogenic activity could not be
reached.

Au W, Butler MA, Bloom SE, Matney TS. Further study of the genetic
toxicity of gentian violet. Mutation Research. 66(2): 103-12, Feb 1979

Littlefield,N., Blackwell,B N, Allen,R. and Gaylor,D. "Chronic Toxicity
/ Carcinogenicity Studies of Gentian Violet in Fischer 344 Rats: Two
Generation Exposure", Food and Chemical Toxicology, Vol. 27, No. 4, pp
239 247, 1989

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 30:65,
1990



Harvey

             ***********************************************

To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail
To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest)
To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
All commands go to [log in to unmask]

The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html