A recent study conducted by Boston University has shed light on a concerning association between the use of chemical hair straighteners and an increased risk of uterine cancer among postmenopausal women. This study, part of the Black Women’s Health Study, tracked 45,000 women without a history of cancer over a span of 22 years, analyzing their usage of chemical hair straightening products.
The research revealed a notable correlation between regular or prolonged use of chemical-based hair straighteners and a heightened likelihood of uterine cancer diagnosis, particularly among postmenopausal women. Importantly, this risk remained significant even after adjusting for various potential risk factors.
These findings align with previous research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which indicated that women using chemical hair straighteners more frequently than four times a year had more than doubled their chances of developing uterine cancer. Additionally, earlier studies have linked regular use of such products to increased risks of breast and bladder cancers.
The study’s lead author, Kimberly Bertrand, highlighted the racial disparities observed, emphasizing the disproportionate rates of aggressive uterine cancer subtypes among Black women compared to non-Hispanic White women. Bertrand underscored the importance of addressing these disparities and the need for increased representation of Black women in health research.
This research addresses a significant gap in knowledge regarding the widespread use of hair relaxers among Black women and underscores the importance of understanding the potential health risks associated with these products.
In legal spheres, nearly 6,000 hair straightener lawsuits are pending resolution in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleging that manufacturers were aware of the harmful chemicals in their products. These lawsuits involve claims of uterine, endometrial, and ovarian cancers, with legal experts anticipating further filings in the future.
Chemical hair straighteners often contain harmful ingredients such as methylene glycol and formalin, which can release formaldehyde—a known human carcinogen—when exposed to heat. Prolonged exposure to formaldehyde has been linked to various health issues, including irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, and throat, and an increased risk of cancer.
Furthermore, these products may contain additional harmful components like lye, parabens, and cyclosiloxanes, which can lead to a range of side effects including skin irritation, hair loss, and developmental effects on embryos. There is also concern about their potential to disrupt the endocrine system and increase the risk of breast cancer.
The study authors emphasize the importance of further research into the potential adverse health effects of chemical hair relaxers, highlighting the need for greater awareness and scrutiny of these products within the medical community and among consumers.
