Numerous lawsuits have been filed against cosmetic giants L’Oreal USA Products Inc., Strength of Nature Global, Soft Sheen/Carson Inc., Soft Sheen Carson Inc., Dabur International Ltd, Dabur USA Inc., and Namaste Laboratories, LLC., alleging that these companies failed to warn consumers that the use of their products containing formaldehyde increases a woman’s risk of developing uterine cancer. If you developed uterine cancer after using hair-relaxing products four or more times, you may have a claim for compensation. Hair relaxer uterine cancer lawyers are currently investigating these claims and additional lawsuits are expected to follow. If you would like to be put in touch with a product liability attorney to evaluate your claim, call 1-800-298-0111.
Studies Find Women’s Hair Relaxers May Increase Risk of Cancer
The 2022 Uterine Cancer Study
The use of common chemical hair relaxers four or more times more than doubles a woman’s risk of developing uterine cancer according to a study published U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Safety (NIEHS) published a study on October 17th, 2022. The study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute included 33,497 U.S. women ages 35-74. The women were followed on average for nearly 11 years during which 378 uterine cancer cases were diagnosed. The results of the study lead to the conclusion that only 1.64% of women who do not use these products are likely to develop uterine cancer but 4.05% of those who frequently use the product are likely to develop uterine cancer by age 70.
The 2019 Breast Cancer Study
In 2019, the same research group that conducted the above recent study also looked at how the use of permanent hair dye and chemical straighteners affected women. They published their findings in the International Journal of Cancer in which they found that there was an increased risk of developing breast cancer for women who used permanent hair dye and chemical relaxers. Even more alarming, in that study, “Dr. White and colleagues found that women who used hair relaxers at least every five to eight weeks were about 30% more likely to develop breast cancer.”
Interesting Comparison
In the 2022 study, the researchers did not just look at the relationship between chemical hair relaxers and uterine cancer. They also looked at other products but found no association between other products including dyes, bleaches, highlights, and perms. While the increased instance of uterine cancer seems small in comparison to the 2019 study and the increased instance of breast cancer, one must remember that uterine cancer is a rare type of cancer.
What Evidence is Required in a Hair Relaxer Uterine Cancer Lawsuit?
In order to prove that a company is liable for their hair relaxer product causing uterine cancer, the plaintiff must prove that the company was aware or should have been aware of a serious risk and failed to take action to correct the risk imposed by the product during its normal intended use and/or failed to warn the public of the risk. We are investigating cases where a minimum of four uses can be established. Unlike the Tylenol autism lawsuits where it may need to be demonstrated that the FDA approved the drug after not having been provided accurate information, cosmetic products are not approved by the FDA. Thus, this extra hurdle is not present.
What Cancers and Conditions are Being Investigated?
Currently, studies and lawsuits suggest a relationship between hair relaxers and an increased risk of developing the following types of cancers and conditions:
- Endometrial Cancer
- Endometriosis
- Uterine Cancer
- Uterine Sarcoma
- Uterine Fibroids.
If you developed these conditions following regular use of hair relaxers containing formaldehyde, you may have a claim that attorneys can assist with.
L’Oreal Sued Alleging Relaxer Caused Uterine Cancer
A lawsuit was filed this year by Jennifer Mitchell (28) against several cosmetic product makers alleging that the use of their hair relaxer for 18 years resulted in her developing uterine cancer. According to the lawsuit, she began using the product at age 10 in 2000 and continued until her diagnosis in 2018. Other women are currently preparing to file hair relaxer cancer lawsuits by the same law firm as well as others. The number of hair relaxer lawsuits is likely to climb sharply as there are an estimated 65,950 cases diagnosed annually and over 12,000 deaths resulting from endometrial cancer.
Who Are the Defendants in the Hair Relaxer Uterine Cancer Lawsuits?
Current lawsuits name L’Oréal USA, Inc, L’Oréal USA Products, Inc., Soft SheenCarson LLC. , Strength of Nature, LLC, Godrej SON Holdings, Inc., PDC Brands, Parfums de Coeur, LTD, Dabur International Ltd, Dabur USA Inc., and Namaste Laboratories, LLC. More are expected to follow. Any maker of a hair straightening product is a potential defendant in this type of case.
What Hair Relaxers Do the Lawsuits Allege Cause Cancer?
Several popular hair relaxer products have been named in the current lawsuits alleging hair relaxers caused or contributed to an increased risk of uterine cancer, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, uterine sarcoma, uterine fibroids, and/or endometriosis, including Dark & Lovely, Just for Me, Cantu Shea Butter Relaxer, Motions, and Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Relaxer. Any hair relaxer containing formaldehyde is under scrutiny in this litigation.
Talk to a Lawyer
If you developed uterine cancer and used hair relaxers containing formaldehyde a minimum of 4 times, you may have legal rights. Consult a hair relaxer uterine cancer lawyer to discuss your options. Our firm is currently assisting in the investigation of these cases and the developing litigation. Call us at 1-800-298-0111 if you would like to be connected with someone to evaluate your potential claim. Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., Injury & Accident Lawyers are located in Houston, Texas.
Author
