CANCER CAUSED BY CHEMICAL HAIR STRAIGHTNERS
Chemical hair straightening products—commonly referred to as “hair relaxers”—have been linked to a higher risk of both breast and uterine cancer. Black and Latino women
are at especially high risk due to higher levels of use of hair relaxers. Studies have shown that black women account for as much as 60% of chemical hair relaxer use in the United States. This is despite the fact that black women make up just 6% of the total population.
The Connection Between Cancer and Hair Relaxers
Several recent studies reveal that most hair relaxers on the market contain a variety of chemicals that double the risk of contracting reproductive organ cancer, including breast, uterine and endometrial cancer.
Why Hair Relaxers are Dangerous?
Toxic Chemicals. The most common hair relaxers on the market include several chemical compounds that are known health hazards. The carcinogens found in hair relaxers include:
| · Bisphenol A | · Phthalates | · Parabens |
| · Formaldehyde | · Dangerous metals | · Nitrosamines |
Which Brands May Be Affected by the Problem?
Many cosmetic companies manufacture, market, and sell chemical hair straighteners, including L’Oréal, Pantene, Softsheen Carson, and Schwarzkopf. The hair relaxer brands that may be affected include:
| · Dark & Lovely | · African Pride | · Africa’s Best |
| · Crème of Nature | · Optimum Care | · Just for Me |
| · Soft and Beautiful | · Bantu | · Motions Hair Relaxer |
| · ORS Olive Oil | · TCB Naturals | · Ultra Precise |
| · Hair Repair | · Curls Unleased | · Smooth Touch |
| · Short Looks | · Pink | · TCB |
This is a non-exhaustive list; many more chemical hair relaxer brands are affected by these safety issues. If you or your family member used a hair relaxer and developed reproductive organ cancer, you should consult the attorneys at GAINES NOLAN INJURY LAW, PLLC by contacting us at 772-200-4600.
How Long Do You Have to File a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?
As with other types of product liability and mass tort claims, there is a statute of limitations that applies to hair relaxer cancer lawsuits. This means you have a limited amount of time to file your claim.
How long do you have to bring a hair relaxer lawsuit for breast, uterine or other cancer? It depends on several factors, including your state or residence. The statute of limitations may be as little as one or two years. However, in most jurisdictions, including Florida, there is a “discovery rule” when determining your deadline. Do not assume that you are outside of the statute of limitations. The clock does not start ticking until the date that the plaintiff (victim or family) knew or should have known about their claim. Hair relaxer lawsuits are new cases. The time to take action is now!
The defective product lawyers here at the GAINES NOLAN LAW FIRM are dedicated to obtaining justice for those wrongfully harmed by products through no fault of their own. We are currently pursuing cases for individuals harmed by chemical hair relaxer or straighteners. If you or a loved one have used hair relaxers or straighteners and been diagnosed with breast, uterine or endometrial cancer, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Call us today at 772-200-4600 to see how we can fight for you.
