FoxNews.com article Woman in Coma After Allergic Reaction to Hair Dye reports on the tragic case of a mother in England who experienced an apparent allergic reaction when she dyed her hair – something she had done many times before.

Julie McCabe is on life support after the hair dyeing incident, which caused her to have difficulty breathing. On her way to the hospital, her heart also stopped.

Mrs. McCabe's family believes she even did the skin test recommended on the box of hair dye to see if consumers are allergic. So how did such a severe reaction occur, given that Mrs. McCabe previously tested not allergic and that she used the product many times with no apparent effects?

The family believes that the chemical paraphenylenediamine (PPD) caused the allergic reaction. This chemical is often found in permanent hair dye. According to Brian Plunkett, a hair and scalp specialist (known as a trichologist), allergies to hair dye increase as individuals are increasingly exposed to PPD. He explains, "People who are using color all the time build it up in their systems. It stays there for the rest of your life."

This extremely sad case illustrates the dangers of potent chemicals, even when we aren't "chemically sensitive." The tragedy also underscores the fact that allergies can drastically impact anyone's life at any time.