Recent medical findings published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute suggest that hair relaxers may cause uterine cancer.
Millions of women who use relaxers regularly are at risk of developing uterine cancer, a life-threatening condition that may leave one drained financially, emotionally, physically, and psychologically. Those who suffer complications after using relaxers can file lawsuits to claim compensation for developing uterine cancer.
Contact the offices of Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys to discuss your hair relaxer lawsuit confidentially with an attorney.
How Carcinogenic Chemicals in Hair Products Can Be Absorbed
Anytime you apply a product on the scalp or skin, it can penetrate and damage the body organs.
The chemicals in hair relaxer products can leach into the skin and leave burns and skin lesions on the scalp. The toxic ingredients lingering in hair products can enter the bloodstream through the damaged skin and in some cases, disrupt hormones and endocrine levels, increasing the risk of developing uterine cancer.
Understanding the associations between hair straighteners and uterine cancer can help you establish a case against a manufacturer.
Toxic Chemicals in Hair Relaxer Products
Many hair relaxers contain sodium hydroxide (lye), while others use ammonium thioglycolate. Some relaxers market themselves as chemical- or paraben-free.
Below are the common toxins found in hair relaxer products.
Phthalates
There are different types of phthalates. The most common phthalate seen in relaxer products is Di-2-Ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), which is considered the most dangerous. This plasticity enhancer disrupts the human endocrine system when broken down in the body. Until the full extent of DEHP’s effect on the body is understood, if you have concerns, then it is safer to use products that do not contain phthalates and artificial plasticizers.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a toxic systemic poison. This chemical is absorbed into the body through inhalation. They cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, suffocation, and dizziness. When formaldehyde comes into contact with the skin, it may cause severe burns to the skin and eyes. Beyond being associated with an increased risk of cancer in the nose and leukemia, scalp burns from formaldehyde can make it easier for other toxins to be absorbed through the skin and increase uterine cancer risk.
How Black Women Are Disproportionately Affected
Black women are highly affected by hair relaxer uterine cancer than other demographics.
Some Black women develop aggressive tumors and fail to access proper medical care, leading to an increased mortality rate. The increased risk of uterine cancer from hair relaxer products is a serious issue for which our firm is prepared to seek justice from manufacturers. Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys is ready to fight for you if you believe you were harmed through frequent use of hair relaxers.
Contact an Experienced Hair Relaxer Lawsuit Attorney for Help
If you or a loved one got diagnosed with uterine cancer or any other medical complications resulting from the use of hair relaxers, seek legal help as soon as possible to recover the damage incurred. Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys is taking cases involving hair relaxer lawsuits now. We will assess the facts of your situation and advise you accordingly as we help you explore legal options. Contact us for a free consultation and a case evaluation.
Hair Relaxer Cancer FAQs
What compensation can I get for uterine cancer caused by hair straighteners?
You could file a claim to recover the damages from a uterine cancer diagnosis following the prolonged use of hair relaxers. The potential damages include lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
How do I prove product liability if diagnosed with uterine cancer?
To have a successful case, you should prove that the relaxer likely caused your uterine cancer by manufacturing a hair product with carcinogenic ingredients.
