Hair Relaxer and Cancer Risk: What to do When You Fall Victim
Recent research findings have linked chemical relaxers, also known as perm solutions, to an increased risk of uterine and ovarian cancer. While it may sound unrelated, one is exposed to several toxic chemicals during hair straightening and relaxing treatments. And when misused or over a long period, such chemicals can cause significant harm.
Aside from uterine and ovarian cancer, hair relaxers have been associated with an increased risk of other conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, and preterm deliveries.
What to do as a victim of cancer due to chemical relaxer
Chemical hair relaxers are designed to “relax” and straighten hair that is overly curly, especially that of African Americans. They break the disulfide bonds in the hair cortex, leaving the hair less curly. They can also make your hair look longer.
The chemicals required to do this job vary but are very potent. However, they don’t need to be harmful, at least not at the expense of one’s health.
Since research has associated these chemicals with an increased risk of cancer, manufacturers of those chemical straighteners can be held liable when someone develops cancer after using the product.
If you use some hair product with chemical issues that end up causing you harm, you have the right to sue. You can take the help of a lawyer to take hair relaxer legal action against the product manufacturer. If your case is valid, the court may award you compensation, which would be paid by the company.
Moreover, taking legal action against these companies can deter them from using such life-threatening chemicals in their products.
When can you file a hair relaxer lawsuit?
You may file a hair relaxer lawsuit against the manufacturer if you have been diagnosed with uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, fibroids, or any other condition associated with the product after using the same.
Of course, the odds that you’ll develop cancer after a one-off use of a hair relaxer are pretty high. But still, it can’t be entirely ruled out. So, whether it is a short or long-term use of the product, you can take legal action if you have used a hair relaxer and were later diagnosed with cancer.
Study suggest that hair relaxers and straighteners cause cancer
Many people are worried about the safety of chemical hair straightening products. Should you be worried?
A recent study found that women who use these products regularly, especially Black women, have a significantly higher chance of developing uterine cancer.
According to Alexandra White, a scientist who studies cancer and the environment, women who use chemical hair straighteners have a higher risk of uterine cancer. For example, 1.64% of women who never used hair straighteners might develop uterine cancer by age 70, but the risk increases to 4.05% for frequent users.
This study shows that even the occasional use of chemical hair straighteners and relaxers can increase the risk of uterine cancer. Women who use these products frequently are at an even higher risk of developing this dangerous disease.
The researchers concluded that “The use of hair relaxers and straightening products may roughly double the risk of uterine cancer.”
How do hair relaxers cause cancer?
Here’s the million-dollar question: how do chemical straighteners and relaxers cause cancer?
Many hair relaxers and straighteners linked to uterine cancer contain phthalates.
Phthalates are a group of chemicals used in several synthetic products, such as plastics, cleaning agents, and beauty products. The thing is phthalates are linked to many health problems like asthma and certain types of cancer. Also, experts believe that phthalates are endocrine disruptors, substances that can interfere with the body’s hormones by mimicking or blocking them.
As regards phthalates’ link with cancer, studies on mice show that the chemical can mimic estrogen and cause tumors in the reproductive system. There is also evidence that these chemicals can affect the fetus by traveling through the placenta.
All of these findings point to the suggestion that phthalates could contribute to specific kinds of cancer, especially uterine cancer.
Wrapping up
The first hair relaxer lawsuit was filed in 2022 against some cosmetic manufacturers. The claim was that the companies put women at risk of increased uterine cancer by selling harmful hair straightening products. The plaintiff, 32-year-old Jenny Mitchel, also claimed that she developed uterine cancer caused by extended exposure to phthalates present in the defendants’ hair care products.
Do not hesitate to speak up if you or someone you know has become a victim. And make sure you have solid legal backing, knowing it’s you against a multi-million dollar company.
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