Women who regularly used chemical hair straighteners had more than twice the chance of developing uterine cancer, according to a new study from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Even though some hair straighteners have very healthy-sounding brand names, the NIH investigation discovered that they may contain compounds that can cause cancer. Get help from a hair relaxer lawsuit lawyer in New York if you have been affected.
Research on hair straighteners has revealed the presence of chemicals like:
- Bisphenol A (BPA, a toxic chemical) has been linked to numerous adverse health effects.
- Chemicals that interfere with hormone function include parabens and the carcinogen phthalates.
- Formaldehyde is a chemical suspected of causing cancer.
- Metals
Furthermore, it seems that black women have an even higher risk than other women do. The National Institutes of Health reported that black women were almost 60% of the study’s straightener users.
EDCs are commonly found in chemical-based hair straighteners. These are marketed to black women. This is a major cause for alarm, as recent research has revealed that as many as 90 percent of black women use some form of chemical hair straightener.
Uterine cancer risk from hair straightening products?
Hair straightening products contain harmful compounds, and scientists have yet to pinpoint how exactly these substances cause uterine cancer.
Lesions and burns to the scalp are possible side effects of using hair relaxers or straighteners. It is speculated that these wounds would facilitate the entry of EDCs and other harmful substances found in straighteners.
Regular hair straightening treatments raise the risk of scalp burns and exposure to these chemicals, some of which may cause cancer.
Uterine cancer warning signs and symptoms
Uterine cancer typically manifests in a woman’s pelvis and involves bleeding vaginally.
Uterine cancer symptoms may include:
- Spotting or bleeding in the genital area
- If you have gone through menopause, you may have noticed a clear or white vaginal discharge.
- Stomach ache
After menopause, vaginal bleeding is a major warning indicator. Once menopause has set in, it is not natural to continue menstruation, according to the CDC.
If you have had any of these symptoms after regularly using chemical hair straightening treatments, you should immediately see a doctor. In order to effectively treat uterine cancer, early detection is essential.
Can I sue the company that made my chemical hair straightener?
Perhaps so. A chemical hair straightener lawsuit may be possible if you have:
- Used a chemical hair straightener or relaxer at least once in the previous year before your diagnosis
- Used a straightener and later had uterine or endometrial cancer
An Assisting Hand from Hair Relaxer Attorneys
Major corporations should never have distributed hair straightening treatments containing carcinogenic chemicals. Hair relaxer lawyers are prepared to assist women diagnosed with endocrine or uterine cancer due to using hair straighteners in their pursuit of justice.
The Hidden Dangers of Hair Relaxers
The pursuit of beauty and societal standards of attractiveness can sometimes lead to unintended health consequences. As highlighted by the recent findings from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), chemical hair relaxers are one such product that can have serious health implications.
The chemicals contained in hair relaxers are strong enough to alter the natural texture of hair, and this in itself should be a warning sign about their potential impact on health. It’s essential to remember that the skin is the body’s largest organ, and it is permeable. This means that chemicals applied to the skin can be absorbed into the bloodstream. The scalp, being rich in blood vessels, can act as a direct route for these chemicals to enter the body.
Black women, in particular, face an even greater risk. Historically, societal standards of beauty have often overlooked the natural beauty of black hair. As a result, there’s been a significant market push for products that offer hair straightening solutions. Unfortunately, this has meant that many black women are disproportionately exposed to the risks associated with these chemicals.
While the exact mechanism linking hair straighteners to uterine cancer remains unclear, what is evident is the potential danger posed by continuous exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and other carcinogens. EDCs, in particular, mimic or interfere with the body’s hormones, which can disrupt the body’s endocrine system. Such disruptions can lead to a cascade of health issues, including reproductive problems and, as suggested by this recent study, an increased risk of cancer.
It is crucial for consumers to be well-informed and vigilant. Reading product labels, understanding the chemicals they are exposed to, and staying updated with research findings are all essential steps. Moreover, it’s vital for those who have used these products to stay vigilant about their health, look out for any symptoms, and get regular check-ups.
The revelations about the potential dangers of hair relaxers serve as a powerful reminder of the need for rigorous testing and regulation of beauty products. It also underscores the importance of consumer awareness and advocacy. If companies have been negligent in ensuring the safety of their products, it is only right that they are held accountable. For those affected, seeking legal advice and pursuing compensation could be an avenue not only for personal justice but also to send a clear message about the importance of consumer safety.
