Do you or a loved one use hair straightening products? Often referred to as hair relaxers or even hair products, there has been alarming new research that shows a link between chemical hair straightening products and cancer. There have already been thousands of people who have joined lawsuits against companies that make and sell these products, including L’Oréal, Strength of Nature, Soft Sheen/Carson Inc., Dabur International. Namaste Laboratories LLC. At Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys, we are actively investigating and handling these cases. Here, our Atlanta hair product cancer claims attorneys provide an update for these claims for 2024.
Background: Links Between Chemical Hair Relaxers and Uterine Cancer
Chemical hair relaxers/straighteners have been popular cosmetic products for decades. Sadly, several recent scientifically-backed studies have raised very serious concerns about the potential health risks associated with the hair products. Specifically, the studies found a potential link between chemical hair relaxers and uterine cancer.
Notably, chemical hair relaxers are commonly used to straighten curly or frizzy hair and they contain a variety of chemicals. Alarmingly, some of these chemicals are known endocrine disruptors. These substances can mimic or interfere with the body’s hormones, potentially leading to hormonal imbalances that may increase the risk of developing uterine cancer.
The research shows that the concern is most pronounced among women who frequently use these products—as prolonged exposure to the harmful chemicals found in hair relaxers could exacerbate the risk. Chemical hair relaxer products are disproportionately used by African American women. Unfortunately, this means that Black women are more affected by this safety problem.
Several Thousand People Around the Country Joined Hair Product Cancer Lawsuits
Many people or family members of people who have developed uterine cancer after long periods of chemical hair relaxer use have joined lawsuits against the big corporations that manufacture, market, and sell these products. Indeed, as of early 2024, there are more than 8,000 people who have joined the multidistrict litigation (MDL).
Broadly speaking, MDL is a legal procedure designed to efficiently process lawsuits that involve numerous plaintiffs across different federal districts who are suing based on similar factual allegations. By consolidating these cases for pre-trial proceedings, such as discovery and motions, MDL aims to streamline the legal process.
These lawsuits allege that companies failed to adequately warn consumers about the cancer risks associated with their hair relaxers. The plaintiffs in these cases—cancer victims and their families—argue that they were not informed of the potential health hazards. As a consequence, they were unknowingly exposed to dangerous chemicals that contributed to cancer diagnoses.
Important Legal Update: Defendant Motion for Dismissed Was Denied (November 2023)
There was recently a major, key development in hair product cancer cases. As reported by Bloomberg Law News, the major companies defending these lawsuits—including L’Oreal—filed a motion to dismiss the product liability claims. However, Judge Mary M. Rowland of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Chicago denied the vast majority of the motion. Judge Rowland is the federal judge who is currently overseeing MDL in this case. As a consequence of this ruling, the case will continue to move forward. Indeed, the federal judge’s decision underscores the judiciary’s willingness to allow cases to proceed to trial—thereby enabling plaintiffs to present their evidence and arguments in court. Here are some specific points that the judge found:
- Federal law—specifically the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act—does not preclude the claim. As such, the claim cannot be dismissed outright on technical legal grounds.
- The plaintiffs (victims and families) presented sufficient initial evidence to support their negligence claims, design defect claims, and failure to warn (product liability) claims.
New Study Emphasizes Link Between Hair Products and Cancer in Black Woman
In December of 2023, a peer-reviewed academic study published in the journal Environmental Research “Hair relaxer use and risk of uterine cancer in the Black Women’s Health Study” found a strong link between chemical hair relaxer products and uterine cancer. The researchers tracked nearly 45,000 Black women in the United States over the course of 22 years in order to investigate the link between chemical hair relaxer use and uterine cancer risk. It found that long-term use of hair relaxers was associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer—especially among postmenopausal women. More specifically, researchers found that moderate to heavy use over many years showed a significantly higher risk in postmenopausal women. Unfortunately, uterine cancer can be especially risky and dangerous for older people.
There is Still Time to Join the Hair Product Cancer Lawsuit
Were you, a spouse, a parent, or any other family member adversely impacted by the long-term use of chemical hair relaxing products? There is still time to joint hair product cancer lawsuits. Large corporations must be held accountable for putting innocent people at risk. For all people who are concerned about the potential link between hair relaxer use and cancer, it is important to know that there is still an opportunity to join ongoing legal actions. It is not too late to take action. These lawsuits seek accountability from product manufacturers for not adequately warning consumers about the risks associated with their products.
Our law firm has the skills, expertise, and ongoing experience to help people navigate these complex cases. Not only do we offer expert legal guidance and support, we understand the intricacies of complex product liability litigation. Our attorneys are prepared to handle your specific case so that you are in the best position to secure accountability, justice, and absolute maximum financial compensation.
Developed Cancer After Using a Hair Relaxer? Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
At Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys, our Atlanta product liability lawyers have the skills and experience to handle hair relaxer claims. If you or your family member developed cancer after using a hair relaxer (hair product), we are here as a legal resource. Call us at (404) 529-3476 or contact us online for a free, no obligation, and strictly confidential initial consultation. With an office in Atlanta, we fight for justice for victims and families in hair product cancer claims in Georgia and beyond.