A federal lawsuit has been filed against L’Oreal and other beauty product companies by a Missouri woman, alleging that chemical hair straightening products led to her uterine cancer. This lawsuit follows a recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute showing a heightened risk of uterine cancer among women who regularly use such products.
Jenny Mitchell, 32, filed the lawsuit in the Northern District of Illinois after being diagnosed with uterine cancer in 2018. Mitchell claims to have used these products since grade school and underwent a hysterectomy as a result of her diagnosis.
The lawsuit contends that the companies knew or should have known about the increased risk of uterine cancer associated with their products but failed to warn consumers. Mitchell’s lawsuit seeks $75,000 in monetary damages along with payment of medical bills.
According to the study published in October, women who frequently use hair straighteners have a significantly higher risk of developing uterine cancer. While the study did not specify brands or ingredients, it highlighted chemicals such as formaldehyde, parabens, bisphenol A, and metals found in these products as potential health risks.
The lawsuit targets several manufacturers, including L’Oreal, SoftSheen Carson, and Strength of Nature, among others. Other lawsuits have also been filed against cosmetic giants like Revlon and L’Oreal, alleging similar claims.
While L’Oreal has expressed confidence in the safety of its products, the study findings have raised concerns about the health risks associated with chemical hair straighteners, particularly among Black women. Though the study did not establish a direct link between race and uterine cancer, it noted that Black women, who reported higher usage of these products, were disproportionately affected by the potential risks.
Further research is needed to confirm these findings and identify specific chemicals that may contribute to the increased risk of uterine cancer. Nonetheless, the study underscores the importance of understanding the potential health impacts of chemical hair straighteners, especially among communities that use them frequently.
