Two recent studies from the NIH have linked the use of chemical hair straightener or relaxer to the disproportionately high rate of ovarian and uterine cancer. As a result, a lawsuit has been filed against a companies that produce chemical straightening products, including L'Oreal USA, Inc. and Softsheen-Carson, Inc.
What is Hair Relaxer
Hair relaxer is a product used to chemically straigten textured hair. They work by breaking down the bonds in curly or wavy hair and re-forming them while the hair is held in a straight position. These productts often include toxic chemicals that have been linked to increased cancer risk. Additionally relaxers are only meant to last 4-6 months, so long-term use is expected and common.
Symptoms of Toxic Exposure
Relaxers and straighteners contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that can have negative effects on the hormone balance in the body. Some of the risks associated to prolonged exposure to EDCs include:
- Uterine fibroids (UF)
- Uterine cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Non-Hodgkins lymphoma
The frequency of use compounds the risk of developing cancer. The study found that people who used it four or more times per year were two and a half times more likely to develop some form of cancer than those who use the products less frequently.
Hair Relaxer/Straightener Lawyer
If you believe you or someone you know has developed uterine fibroids or cancer and are a repeated user of hair relaxers or chemical hair straighteners, you can contact Davis Law Group for a free case evaluation. Our office has been helping people fight back against the big corporations that cause harm to the public for nearly thirty years.
To schedule a free consultaion, use the chat or contact form on this page or call our office at 206-727-4000.