Lawsuit Against Harmful Hair Relaxers
The Horne Law Firm is holding manufacturers accountable for the damage caused by their products.
Recent findings reveal that hair relaxer products from prominent cosmetic brands contain harmful, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, prompting women to take legal action. Exposure to these dangerous substances may result in serious health issues, including:
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Ovarian Cancer
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Uterine Cancer
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Endometrial Cancer
Research Reveals Hair Relaxers Heighten Cancer Risk
On October 17, 2022, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) released a significant study linking the use of chemical hair straightening and relaxing products by women to an increased risk of uterine cancer. The research indicated that approximately 1.64% of women who have never used these chemical hair treatments would develop uterine cancer by age 70. In contrast, for those who use them frequently, the risk more than doubles to 4.05%.
The endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in these hair relaxers include:
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Parabens
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Phthalates
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Metals
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Formaldehyde
When absorbed by the body, these substances disrupt hormone function. Source: Che-Jung Chang et al., "Use of Straighteners and Other Hair Products and Incident Uterine Cancer," Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Oct. 17, 2022.
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Uterine Cancer and Hair Relaxers
The NIEHS study established a link between the use of hair relaxer ingredients and uterine cancer, with researchers suggesting that this connection arises from the application method. Creamy hair relaxers are applied to the hair close to the roots to straighten new growth, and the chemicals need to stay on the scalp for a certain period to activate.
Prolonged exposure to a strong, toxic relaxer can lead to chemical burns on the scalp. These injuries create openings for the body to absorb the harmful compounds. To maintain straight hair, users must frequently touch up and reapply the chemical relaxers, which further heightens their exposure to carcinogenic substances.
Filing Lawsuits Against Hair Relaxer Brands
Women who have a history of using chemical hair relaxers and have been diagnosed with uterine, endometrial, or ovarian cancer might be able to take legal action against hair relaxer manufacturers. The lawsuit provides these women a chance to hold negligent cosmetic companies accountable for producing, selling, distributing, advertising, and promoting harmful products without adequately warning the public about the potential cancer risks associated with their use.
The relaxer kits were marketed as convenient solutions for achieving trendy, sleek hairstyles. However, the packaging and advertising employed deceptive names and descriptions that emphasized the advantages of the products while failing to disclose the associated risks.
Toxic Hair Relaxer Brands
Several hair relaxer brands have been identified in the lawsuit, with more being added as investigations progress. Among the most well-known hair relaxer brands mentioned in the lawsuit are:
