Customers must take care with henna treatment

Readers warn that some henna treatments can have bad side effects. Other topics: animals in captivity, cars and sharks.

Readers warn that some henna treatments can have bad side effects. (AP Photo/Fareed Khan)

I was not surprised to read Woman in agony after black henna treatment in Al Ain salon (August 31).

This happened to my daughter after she received a henna treatment during a holiday in the UAE.

When we came back to the United States, I had to take her to the dermatologist.

She had to use a steroid cream for two months to heal the area in her arm. She was told she is allergic to the chemical para-Phenylenediamine in the ink.

Erinn Ross Vahlkamp, US

As a consumer it’s really hard to know where to get a henna treatment, especially when it can be an impulsive choice.

It seems like the woman in your story had an extremely painful experience.

If the salon broke the law, it should be held responsible for her medical costs and loss of income.

I wish her a speedy and pain-free recovery.

Kate Soltero, Dubai

Limit on cars is a workable idea

Your editorial A ban on cars? (August 31) asks whether a city like Paris could function without motor vehicles.

Perhaps not, but cities can limit the number of cars on the road by alternating from day to day between odd- and even-numbered plates. This has been done elsewhere.

John Paravalos, Dubai

The public transport system in Paris would fail if cars were banned. Yes, the traffic is awful most of the time, but without a car you can turn a commute of one hour into three.

Valeriu Stanciu-Crainic, Dubai

Plane incident a chance to learn

I was concerned to read about the incident on the UAE plane (Emirates passenger assaulted on flight from Beirut to Dubai, August 26).

It’s quite unusual for something like this to happen on Emirates, which is one of the world’s best airlines. The authorities should dig deeper into this incident to prevent a similar occurrence.

Maryam Mohammed, Dubai

Animals are not here to amuse us

I am among those who object to a marine mammal park (Animal lovers sign petition against SeaWorld's plans for Middle East park, August 30).

There is simply no need in this day and age to keep animals in captivity for human entertainment. It’s barbaric.

Emma Schlegel, Dubai

I have always boycotted zoos and underwater parks and any events, such as circuses, that involve animals.

Why do we abuse these innocent animals for our own fun? But the blame does not just lie here, it is the same all over the world.

I am glad this issue is ­finally being spoken about.

Shilpa Parmar, Dubai

Why is this being proposed? Too many exotic animals are already being smuggled into the Middle East and being kept illegally.

Jean NgLewis, Abu Dhabi

Sharks do what comes naturally

Your story Killer sharks stalk Australian beaches (August 31) seems to blame the sharks for being in the water.

People are going into their environment, not the other way around. Plus when their natural food sources are being depleted at an alarming rate, what do you expect?

Humans are far too quick to want to cull and kill other species, when we are the most destructive species on the planet. Name withheld by request

Sharks are all territorial and will protect their territory.

It’s time that we as humans spent our energy and time fighting for our natural world instead of fighting other countries. Venezia Rodrigues, Abu Dhabi

Search for better grocery delivery

A Google search directed me to an old article from The National about online shopping, but unfortunately the service mentioned was limited to ­Dubai.

I finally found a company that delivered to my doorstep in Khalifa City A. It was well worth trying, and the best part was that my order was delivered on the same day.

I hope to see more such websites serving Abu Dhabi so I can compare their prices and offers.

Ahmed Nafiz, Abu Dhabi