Study Proves Link Between Chemical Hair Straighteners and Uterine Cancers
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently published a study connecting frequent application of chemical hair straightening and relaxing (also known as “perm”) products to a significantly increased risk of uterine and endometrial cancers. In fact, women who used these products four or more times per year had a 2.5x higher risk of developing these cancers.
The study spanned 11 years and involved almost 33,500 women aged 35 to 74. Because this is a product typically used on textured hair, African-American women made up 60% of users.
This study also noted the following chemicals found in these straightening products that may have a direct link to uterine cancer:
- Parabens
- Bisphenol A (BPA)
- Formaldehyde
- Metals, including cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe)
Despite being aware of previously-published studies linking their products to breast cancer and uterine fibroids, especially in African-American women, chemical hair straightener manufacturers continued to market these products. Having this knowledge and refusing to take action to address these problems could leave them liable for the illnesses sustained by their customers.
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