Recent studies have established a link between hair straighteners and cancer. This is due to the chemicals used in professional straightening processes and relaxer treatments. Because black women use these products at a greater rate than the general population, they are especially at risk.
If you or someone you love used hair straighteners or relaxers and developed cancer, you could be entitled to compensation. Rueb Stoller Daniel is actively recruiting women who were harmed by these products to help them win legal damages. Call us today at 1-866-CALL-RSD.
The Link Between Hair Straighteners And Cancer
The Journal of the National Cancer Institute found a high risk of uterine cancer among women who use hair straighteners. Use of these products (also known as hair relaxers) at least four times a year could prove harmful. In fact, frequent users may have twice the risk of uterine cancer versus those who don’t use the product. That’s according to data released by the National Institutes of Health.
Black women, who frequently use these products, could particularly be in danger. They already have a high risk of developing endometrial cancer, the most common form of uterine cancer. Again, if you or someone you love has used these products at least four times in the last year, your health may be jeopardized.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Uterine Cancer?
If you have noticed any of the below uterine cancer symptoms, talk to your doctor right away. Those signs include:
- Pain or cramps in the lower abdomen or pelvic area;
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, spotting, or discharge;
- For premenopausal women, menorrhagia (abnormally heavy or prolonged bleeding, and/or abnormal uterine bleeding);
- For postmenopausal women, any vaginal bleeding, spotting, or white or clear vaginal discharge;
Cancer-Causing Chemicals in Hair Straighteners
Every hair straightener/relaxer product is different. But depending on the specific brand, the product in question may contain these and other chemicals:
- Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used to make plastics;
- Formaldehyde, a potential carcinogen (cancer-causing chemical) used in the production of construction materials and other products;
- Trace amounts of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead, mercury, nickel, and other metals;
- Parabens, which are chemicals used in cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical products;
The FDA maintains that low doses of these chemicals pose very little health danger. However, the results of the above-mentioned studies call this into question. In particular, frequent use of hair straighteners may increase the risk of developing uterine cancer.
Pursuing Legal Action Against Hair Straightener/Relaxer Manufacturers
Companies that make and sell hair relaxers and straighteners owe certain duties to consumers. They are required, as a general matter, to ensure that their products are reasonably safe for consumer use. They must also abide by all health and safety regulations that apply to their products.
One major complaint involving L’Oréal and other companies alleged they knew of these health risks since at least 2015. Yet, they took little or no action to make their products safe or warn consumers. At the very least, they could have included a warning label but did not.
Potential Damages You May Be Able to Seek
If you used hair straighteners or relaxers and later developed uterine cancer, you may be eligible for monetary compensation. The damages that you can seek depend on the unique circumstances of your case and may include:
- Medical treatment for cancer and related complications;
- Travel costs and other expenses related to seeking medical care;
- Lost wages due to time missed obtaining medical treatment;
- Lost future wages if your condition renders you unable to work;
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Have Questions About Your Legal Rights? Rueb Stoller Daniel Has Answers
We pursue mass tort and class action matters on behalf of victims. These are cases involving dangerous consumer products that have caused significant injuries. Our goal is to seek the compensation that individuals deserve when companies put profits ahead of their safety.
If you or a loved one developed cancer after using hair straightener products, and you have questions, we have answers. Give Rueb Stoller Daniel a call today at 1-866-CALL-RSD to learn more.
