Hair Straightening Products Linked to Increased Risk of Uterine Cancer - Lawsuits Filed in Multiple States
The National Institute of Heath recently reported that hair straightening chemicals are associated with higher uterine cancer risk. The study tracked data from over 33,000 women from age 35 through 74, which sought to identify risk factors for breast cancer as well as other conditions. The study followed the women for nearly 11 years. During that time, 378 uterine cancer cases were diagnosed. Women who frequently used hair straightening chemicals were more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer compared to those who did not use hair straightening chemicals.
Sixty percent of the women who reported using chemical hair straighteners in the prior year were black women. Due to the prevalence of use of chemical hair straighteners in that demographic, black women are at an increased risk of uterine cancer. Several chemicals found in chemical hair straighteners including parabens, bisphenol A, metals and formaldehyde are associated with a higher cancer risk, putting all who use chemical hair straighteners/relaxers at risk.
Lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers of chemical hair straighteners in several states, against manufacturers of chemical hair straighteners including Revlon, L’Oreal, Strength of Nature Global, Soft Sheen Carson (W.I.) Inc., and others. Some of the L’Oreal products which may be related to an increased risk of uterine cancer include Dark & Lovely, Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Relaxer, and Motions.
Unfortunately, these chemical straighteners are not the first products on the market which pose a risk to women’s health. Benzene, a known carcinogen, has recently been found in numerous sunscreens, deodorants and dry shampoos made by Neutrogena, Aveeno, Dove, Nexxus, Sauve, TRESemme and other popular brands. Exposure to benzene is linked to development of blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. Talcum powder, and cosmetic products that contain talcum powder, have been associated both with development of ovarian cancer and mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer of the pleura, peritoneum or pericardial lining. Many other dangerous drugs and devices, such as Yaz, Mirena, Paragard, and vaginal mesh have put women at risk with dangerous medical products. Despite serious injuries and deaths from these products, corporations continue to put profits before people, putting women at risk with dangerous products.
If you have been diagnosed with uterine cancer and routinely used chemical hair straighteners, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the Virginia product liability attorneys at Harty Jewell today at 757-568-9633.
