Hair straightener lawsuits have emerged in recent years, alleging that certain straightening products have been linked to cancer and other health complications.
These lawsuits claim that manufacturers failed to provide warnings regarding the risks of endometrial, uterine, and ovarian cancer associated with their products.
This article provides an analysis of the ongoing hair straightener cancer lawsuits, including the number of cases, key developments, and important information.
Is It the End?
A plan to outlaw the use of chemical hair straighteners has been proposed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The reason behind it is that they contain formaldehyde which is associated with cancer risks.
The colorless substance that is frequently present in disinfectants and germicides, formaldehyde. This substance is known to be carcinogenic to humans and may cause cancer.
When certain hair smoothing products are heated, they release formaldehyde gas into the air. It poses both short-term and long-term health risks.
These concerns include an increased risk of developing cancer, asthma, and respiratory problems. Black women are more vulnerable to the cancer-causing effects of formaldehyde-based hair products.
The FDA has also proposed a rule to ban products including other formaldehyde-releasing chemicals like methylene glycol. The ban is intended to prevent the marketing and sale of these products in the United States.
Yale Medicine dermatologist Dr. Christopher Bunick said he supports the FDA’s initiative. To protect consumers against carcinogens, he stressed the significance of enhancing quality control in the production of over-the-counter products.
The Never-Ending Disparities
Black women use formaldehyde hair products at higher rates than other ethnic groups. This puts them at greater risk for health problems.
Research indicates that a notably higher proportion of black women use hair straighteners than non-Hispanic white women. Furthermore, studies have connected regular use of relaxers, or hair straighteners to higher risks of uterine, breast, and ovarian cancers.
As per various studies, black women have sued cosmetics corporations multiple times. They claim that when heated, their hair relaxers emit formaldehyde, which increases the risk of uterine cancer.
According to the TorHoerman Law, molecular and genetic markers for aggressive forms of endometrial cancer are more common in Black women. In comparison to white women, black women are frequently diagnosed with the illness at a later and more severe stage.
The Legal Round-Up
As of June 2024, there are 8,170 hair straightener lawsuits pending in multidistrict litigation. There have been 8,920 cases filed overall as of this writing. Experts in the field of law foresee a sharp rise in the number of lawsuits filed, and practitioners are actively accepting new clients.
Plaintiff’s Timeline
November 2022: The first hair straightener lawsuit was filed by Jenny Mitchell against L’Oréal and other companies after being diagnosed with uterine cancer.
October 2022: Carla G. Rose and Dollie Dillon initiated a class action lawsuit against Dabur International and Namaste Laboratories. They were seeking reimbursement for the purchase of hair straightening products.
January 2023: After learning she had ovarian cancer, Tamara Sigars sued L’Oréal and other enterprises.
February 2023: The U.S. Panel on Multidistrict Litigation consolidated all hair straightener lawsuits in the Northern District of Illinois.
March 2023: The number of pending cases reached 78 in the Illinois MDL.
June 2023: With a total of 152 lawsuits originally filed, 149 cases remained pending in the Illinois MDL.
July 2023: Over 230 cases were pending in the Illinois hair straightener MDL.
August 2023: Thirty-nine additional hair straightener cancer lawsuits were added to the MDL.
November 2023: The number of pending lawsuits grew exponentially, reaching 7,967 cases.
January 2024: Plaintiffs continue to file lawsuits, while both sides work on their test trial protocols. They also filed a motion to compel discovery from defendant L’Oréal USA.
February 2024: Lawsuits entered the discovery phase, which can be a time-consuming process due to the large number of cases involved.
May 2024: Professor Maura Grossman was appointed as Special Master by the judge overseeing the cases. Attorneys representing defendant Revlon and related companies have filed their notice of appearance, and discovery procedures continue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the potential health risks associated with hair straighteners?
In addition to the possible cancer risk, hair straighteners can cause scalp burns, hair loss, and scalp and skin irritation. It is essential to follow the instructions carefully and perform a patch test before using these products.
How can I minimize the risks associated with hair relaxers?
To minimize the risks, it is important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer and seek professional assistance if you are unsure about the application process. Additionally, limit the frequency of use and avoid overlapping applications to prevent excessive exposure to the chemicals.
Are there alternatives to chemical-based hair straighteners?
Yes, there are alternatives available, such as heat styling tools like flat irons or blow dryers, which temporarily straighten the hair without the use of chemicals. Additionally, there are natural methods and products that can help manage and temporarily straighten hair.
What should I do if I have experienced adverse effects from using hair relaxers?
If you have experienced adverse effects or have been diagnosed with a health condition potentially related to the use of hair relaxers, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional and seek legal advice to understand your options.
The ongoing litigation over hair straighteners brings to light the worries expressed by people who have contracted cancer as a result of using these appliances.
A large number of cases have been brought against manufacturers in the continuing multidistrict action, mostly against L’Oréal and other businesses.
It’s critical to follow the lawsuits’ developments and court rulings as they happen since they can have an impact on the people who have been affected.
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Sameer Afzal 