Hair Straightening Products Uterine Cancer Lawsuit
- Last Updated: November 14th, 2024
Attorney Jessie Paluch, founder of TruLaw, has over 25 years of experience as a personal injury and mass tort attorney, and previously worked as an international tax attorney at Deloitte. Jessie collaborates with attorneys nationwide — enabling her to share reliable, up-to-date legal information with our readers.
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Hair Straightening Products Uterine Cancer Lawsuit Overview
The hair straightening products Uterine Cancer lawsuit has been filed after a new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute established the first epidemiologic evidence of a connection between hair straightening (or “hair relaxing”) products and uterine cancer.
The study, overseen by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), revealed that females who used chemical hair straightening products frequently (more than four times per year) were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with uterine cancer than individuals who never used the products.
If you or someone you love used chemical hair straightening products consistently and were later diagnosed with uterine cancer, you could be entitled to seek compensation from the maker(s) of the product you used.
Companies have a legal responsibility to manufacture and sell safe products, and numerous companies seemingly failed to honor that obligation when they created hair straightening products using hazardous chemicals.
If you think your uterine cancer was caused by frequent exposure to hair-relaxing products, you deserve a chance to hold the manufacturer accountable for their negligence.
Contact TruLaw for a free, no-risk consultation to find out whether you have a case.
Table of Contents
Lawsuit Updates
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November 2024 Updates:
Since the October update, the MDL has seen over 1,000 new filings–the highest spike in a single month–amounting to a total of 9,488 pending cases. The development signals growing momentum and pressure on defendants in the critical stages of the litigation, which may impact verdict outcomes or strategies deployed in future settlements.
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October 2024 Updates:
October 18, 2024
A new wrongful death lawsuit was filed today within MDL-3060 by a Georgia woman who claims that her mother’s prolonged use of hair relaxer products resulted in a uterine cancer diagnosis that resulted in her passing. The lawsuit targets L’Oréal USA, Inc., SoftSheen-Carson LLC, and other defendants, asserting that her mother regularly used hair relaxer products manufactured by these companies.
The complaint maintains, like other claims in the MDL, that the hair relaxer products contained harmful chemicals that were not sufficiently tested and labeled, posing significant health risks, including cancer. The plaintiff argues that the companies are liable due to negligence, defective product design, and failure to adequately warn consumers. She, like the other plaintiffs, is seeking damages for wrongful death, survival action, loss of consortium, and punitive damages.
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September 2024 Updates:
September 30th 2024
The hair relaxer multidistrict litigation (MDL) continues to evolve with several key developments. Plaintiffs have filed a motion to compel Strength of Nature to produce documents related to a “uterine study,” while new lawsuits, including one alleging endometrial cancer from long-term product use, continue to be filed. The MDL judge largely denied defendants’ motion to dismiss economic loss claims, allowing most to proceed.
September 17, 2024
Discovery battles persist, with plaintiffs pushing L’Oréal USA to produce documents from its French parent company. The Plaintiffs’ Leadership Committee is seeking an 8% common benefit fee holdback and 3% expense holdback on cases outside the MDL. John Paul Mitchell Systems’ motion to dismiss is being contested by plaintiffs.
September 3, 2024
Notably, August saw a significant increase in new cases, with over 200 added, bringing the total to 8,489 pending cases. These developments highlight the ongoing complexity and expansion of the hair relaxer litigation.
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August 2024 Updates:
August 5, 2024
The plaintiffs have submitted a motion to compel L’Oréal USA Inc. and its affiliates to comply with previous court orders concerning their influence over their parent company, L’Oréal S.A., for the purposes of discovery. The motion references orders from December 27, 2023, and March 4, 2024, which established that L’Oréal USA has sufficient control over L’Oréal S.A. to comply with the plaintiffs’ discovery requests. Despite this, L’Oréal USA is challenging the scope of these orders, claiming the control finding is limited to certain document categories. Plaintiffs argue this contradicts the broader intent of the court’s rulings, which they believe should cover all relevant documents under L’Oréal USA’s control.
August 1, 2024
In July, the hair relaxer class action MDL added only about a dozen new cases, bringing the total to over 8,200. After rapid growth last year, the MDL has hovered around 8,000 cases for months. While a significant increase in new lawsuits isn’t expected as the litigation matures, there remains strong optimism about potential settlements in 2025.
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July 2024 Updates:
July 22, 2024
A proposed ban by federal regulators on the use of formaldehyde and other harmful chemicals in hair relaxer products has been delayed until at least September. The ban, initially proposed in October 2023, aims to address the significant health risks, including cancer, associated with these chemicals. Despite the known dangers, the FDA’s implementation of the ban has been postponed, highlighting the need for stronger regulatory action to protect consumers.
July 16, 2024
Hair relaxer attorneys submitted a Joint ESI Discovery Status Report, detailing ongoing efforts to agree on search methodologies for electronic document production. Key updates include:
-Revlon: Agreement on 109 search terms, document reviews to begin by August 1, 2024.
– L’Oréal USA: Near agreement on search terms and custodians, addressing data storage issues.
– Luster Products, Inc.: Ongoing negotiations on legacy backup tapes.
– Avlon Industries, Inc.: Discussing 460 search terms, finalizing by the end of July.
– House of Cheatham, LLC: Collaborating on search terms, urging immediate document production.
– Namaste Laboratories LLC: Significant progress, with further negotiations planned.
– Strength of Nature LLC: Agreement on 207 search terms, continuing negotiations.
– Sally Beauty Supply LLC: Agreed TAR Protocol in May, rolling document production.
– McBride Research Laboratories: Ongoing negotiations, with further discussions planned.
Plaintiffs’ attorneys are pushing for immediate review of documents identified by agreed-upon search terms to avoid delays.
July 11, 2024
A Michigan woman filed a new hair relaxer lawsuit in the MDL, claiming she was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in February 2021 due to products from L’Oréal, Strength of Nature, and Luster Products.
July 4, 2024
Selective Way Insurance has asked a Georgia federal judge to exempt it from defending House of Cheatham in the hair relaxer MDL, arguing that the 2021 asset transfer did not include insurance coverage. Both plaintiffs and defense attorneys support maximizing insurance payouts to cover settlements and defense costs, potentially leading to larger compensations for plaintiffs.
July 1, 2024
The Hair Relaxer MDL saw a slight increase in cases, rising from 8,170 in June to 8,192. This slowdown is attributed to fewer victims seeking legal representation and a renewed interest in filing suits in state courts, particularly in Illinois.
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June 2024 Updates:
June 28, 2024
Following the recent status conference, a group of plaintiffs has submitted a motion requesting a sixty-day extension to furnish a substantially complete Plaintiff Fact Sheet to the defendants. The motion acknowledges that failure to meet this extended deadline would result in the dismissal without prejudice of each plaintiff’s case for a period of one year.
Should you require additional time to finalize your fact sheet, it is advised to contact your lawyer promptly and allocate the necessary time to ensure accuracy and completeness.
June 3, 2024
In the past month, the number of cases within the hair relaxer class action MDL has decreased by nearly 300 cases. This reduction is attributed to plaintiffs opting not to proceed with cases involving non-cancer injuries. As a result, the total number of pending cases in the MDL has now decreased to 8,170.
June 2, 2024
Defendants have compiled a detailed list of plaintiffs who have not fully completed their fact sheets. While some of these deficiencies are valid concerns, defendants are also including plaintiffs with minor deficiencies to inflate the list.
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May 2024 Updates:
May 24, 2024
Defendants are raising concerns that certain Plaintiffs’ firms are using a tactic to delay the legal process by submitting empty or nearly blank Plaintiff Fact Sheets before the deadline set by Case Management Order #9. By doing so, these firms are allegedly buying additional time for plaintiffs to fulfill their PFS obligations. The delay in identifying and addressing these blank submissions occurs because the review process is less automated when a document styled as a PFS is received, even if it contains no relevant information.
While this practice is not widespread, defendants report that 65 plaintiffs have submitted entirely blank PFSs. It is believed that only a few law firms are engaging in this behavior, representing a small fraction of the total lawsuits. However, if the allegations are accurate, defendants have a legitimate concern, and the implicated plaintiffs’ attorneys must rectify this situation promptly.
May 12, 2024
Professor Maura Grossman has officially assumed the role of ESI Special Master, following the developments mentioned in the April 22, 2024 update.
May 2, 2024
The FDA has failed to meet its deadline for proposing a ban on formaldehyde in hair-straightening products, despite mounting concerns about its potential link to cancer, particularly among Black women. The agency has not provided an explanation for this delay.
May 1, 2024
The hair relaxer class action MDL experienced another slow month in April, with only 81 new cases added to the MDL, compared to 53 new cases in March. This figure represents a significant decrease from the peak period when up to 3,000 new cases were being added in a single month less than a year ago. The total number of cases in the MDL now stands at 8,468.
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April 2024 Updates:
April 29, 2024:
The legal battle over the appointment of a special master continues following the defendants’ objection to Professor Maura Grossman’s involvement. They argue that her recent collaboration with their counsel in another case poses a conflict of interest. They advocate for Judge Paul Grimm from Maryland instead. Meanwhile, the deadline for the last batch of Plaintiff Fact Sheets was April 17, 2024.
Additionally, the growth of the hair relaxer lawsuits, which were once booming, has slowed down significantly. Only 53 new cases were added to the MDL in the past month, marking the 5th consecutive month of decreased case volume. The total number of pending cases in the MDL now stands at 8,387.
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March 2024 Updates:
March 15, 2024:
n MDL-3060, a dispute persists regarding the dismissal procedure for cases. Plaintiffs advocate for the right to voluntarily dismiss their complaints without prejudice or to amend them before defendants file an answer. They argue that defendants’ refusal obstructs standard MDL practice and burdens the court with motions. Defendants, citing Rule 41 and CMO 8, insist on consent from all answering defendants for dismissals without prejudice after answers are filed, aiming to maintain MDL procedures.
In another development, Defendant Revlon issued a subpoena to the National Institutes of Health on February 14, 2024, seeking documents related to specific studies. Plaintiffs’ lawyers plan to file a Motion to Quash this subpoena before the return date of March 15, 2024.
Furthermore, the growth of the hair relaxer class action MDL continues to slow down. Only 117 new cases were added last month, bringing the total to 8,334 cases.
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February 2024 Updates:
February 2nd, 2024:
In February 2024, the MDL concerning hair relaxer products sees an increase with the addition of 200 more cases. This surge follows the inclusion of 191 new cases throughout January 2024.
The total number of pending cases in the MDL now stands at 8,217. This figure indicates a shift from the higher influx of 2,000 to 3,000 new cases per month observed last summer, suggesting a stabilized, albeit still substantial, average volume.
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January 2024 Updates:
January 2nd, 2024:
In late 2023, Judge Rowland partially approved a motion compelling the defendants to disclose information regarding hair care products sold internationally. Additionally, a deadline of February 29, 2024, was set for the defendants to respond to interrogatories.
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December 2023 Updates:
December 26th, 2023:
In a recent study, researchers tracked 44,798 Black women with a uterus from 1997 to 2019 to investigate the potential correlation between the use of chemical hair relaxers and uterine cancer.
Out of the participants, 347 received a diagnosis of uterine cancer during the study period. The results indicated that women who regularly used hair relaxers (for more than 15 years and at least 5 times annually) had an increased probability of developing uterine cancer compared to individuals who either never used them or used them infrequently.
December 18, 2023:
The hair relaxer class action MDL experienced significant growth over the past months, consistently adding several thousand new cases monthly. However, in the latest development, the growth abruptly halted with only 17 new cases filed last month.
The MDL currently has a total of 7,894 pending cases.
December 1st, 2023:
A recent study from Purdue University revealed that the use of flat irons and curling wands in conjunction with everyday hair styling products may emit harmful chemicals associated with fertility issues. -
November 2023 Updates:
November 27th, 2023:
Plaintiffs’ leadership has filed a motion requesting the judge to mandate an 11% common benefit fund holdback. The common benefit fund is designed to remunerate attorneys for efforts benefiting all MDL plaintiffs.
Administered by the overseeing court, this fund aggregates a percentage of settlements or recoveries from individual cases, ensuring fair compensation for legal work that contributes to the collective benefit of all involved parties.
November 21st, 2023:
In a status conference held on November 17, 2023, Judge Mary M. Rowland addressed key points in the hair relaxer class action lawsuit.
The parties discussed a Case Management Order for Plaintiffs’ Fact Sheets and Records Authorizations, scheduling disagreements for Science Day, updates on related state court lawsuits, and an extension request for briefing on a motion to dismiss.
Additionally, by December 6, 2023, cross-briefs on document production for products sold internationally are required, and Revlon must clarify its stance by November 27. Revlon agreed to produce relevant documents by December 15, and ESI discovery disputes are referred to Magistrate Judge Finnegan.
November 15th, 2023:
A federal judge, specifically U.S. District Judge Mary Rowland in Illinois, has permitted the majority of claims to proceed in a significant lawsuit alleging that chemical hair relaxer products produced by companies like L’Oreal USA and Revlon are the cause of cancer and other harm.
Judge Rowland rejected most of the companies’ contentions in their bid to dismiss the complaint within the multidistrict litigation, which encompasses over 8,000 lawsuits.
She determined that the plaintiffs had offered ample evidence to substantiate their accusations, which encompass claims of negligence, defective product design, and a failure to adequately caution customers about potential risks.
Of the 15 claims contained in the complaint, Rowland dismissed three entirely and a part of a fourth due to insufficient backing for the plaintiffs’ assertions of fraud.
These hair relaxer products, primarily marketed to women of color, include chemicals for permanently straightening textured hair.
Legal actions were instigated following a National Institutes of Health study published in October 2022, which found that women who used these products multiple times a year were more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer.
While L’Oreal had previously expressed confidence in the safety of its products, and Revlon stated its disbelief in the existence of scientific evidence linking chemical hair straighteners or relaxers to cancer, smaller cosmetics companies, including some headquartered in India, are also implicated in the lawsuits.
One of the lead attorneys representing the consumers declared that the court’s decision supports their contention that the products and the instructions provided by the companies are responsible for causing cancer.
November 1st, 2023:
The Plaintiff’s Steering Committee is pushing for an 11% set-aside from the total settlement or judgment in each case.
This split comprises 8% for work that benefits all parties involved and 3% for covering common benefit costs.
The motion also highlights unanimous support within the committee. Nonetheless, these attorney fee percentages won’t impact victims’ compensation. The primary focus remains on maximizing settlements for victims, which appears to be progressing effectively.
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October 2023 Updates:
October 27th, 2023
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is suggesting a prohibition on the inclusion of formaldehyde as an ingredient in hair relaxers, particularly in products designed for hair-smoothing and hair-straightening, which are commonly used by Black women.
Formaldehyde is a hazardous substance capable of causing irritation to the eyes, skin, lungs, and throat and has been associated with specific cancers, including myeloid leukemia.
The current FDA regulations do not mandate the pre-market approval of cosmetic products and their components, sparking concerns about the safety of these products.
Recent studies have illuminated the potential risks associated with chemical hair relaxers, revealing a heightened likelihood of uterine cancer among women who use such products.
Hair relaxers often contain endocrine disruptors that can disrupt the body’s hormone system, leading to a range of health issues, such as early puberty, fibroid tumors, infertility, and reduced fertility in women.
The FDA’s proposed prohibition follows concerns raised by congressional representatives and advocates regarding the safety of these products, particularly among Black women.
The intended date for implementing the ban is set for April.
Moreover, policies like the CROWN Act, which bars discrimination based on hair texture, have been gaining traction in numerous states to address concerns surrounding hair and societal norms.
October 1st, 2023:
Judge Rowland recently issued Case Management Order No. 9 (CMO 9) to address the rapid increase in hair relaxer class action lawsuits. This order establishes guidelines for the filing and handling of Short Form Complaints (SFC) by the numerous new plaintiffs participating in the MDL.
The surge in new chemical hair straightener lawsuits can be attributed to a bankruptcy judge’s order related to Revlon. This order mandates lawyers to file lawsuits in order to safeguard their claims against Revlon.
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September 2023 Updates:
September 18th, 2023:
In the past three months, an additional 2,000 cases have joined the hair relaxer class action lawsuit. At this rate, it is projected that the MDL will exceed 4,000 cases by the end of the year. There is anticipation that this trend will persist and possibly even lead to the hair relaxer MDL becoming as large as the talcum powder MDL.
September 6th, 2023:
Throughout the past month, several noteworthy developments have come forth. During a recent status conference presided over by Judge Rowland, a firm deadline of August 30, 2023, has been established for the submission of a joint written status report concerning the dismissal motions related to McBride, the defendant.
There was also debate at the conference regarding Federal Rule 26(a)(1) and 30 (b)(6), which involve expert witnesses and company testimonials. Both parties were arguing that the other’s witness selection and testimonial strategies did not align with one of the federal statutes.
Additionally, Dabur International, the parent company of Namaste Laboratories and a prominent defendant in the hair relaxer lawsuit, switched its legal counsel from Kirkland & Ellis LLC with new attorneys from Baker & McKenzie LLP.
And earlier this month, Dermoviva Skin Essentials Inc. was removed from the class action, however, the possibility of its reinstatement is still under consideration.
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August 2023 Updates:
August 26th, 2023:
Judge Rowland has slated a discovery hearing for October 2nd, 2023.
August 21st, 2023:
A woman from Brooklyn, Minnesota, has become a recent addition to the hair relaxer class action MDL.
The lawsuit alleges that between 1985 and 2011, the plaintiff used three chemical hair relaxer products: ORS Olive Oil, Just for Me, and S&B Botanicals. In 2019, the plaintiff was diagnosed with endometrial cancer, which she attributes to the use of these hair relaxer products.
August 18th, 2023:
New hair relaxer cancer lawsuits can now be submitted directly to the class action MDL using an approved Short Form Complaint, as authorized by Judge Rowland. This new process is expected to streamline and expedite the filing of such lawsuits, potentially resulting in a higher number of new filings in the MDL.30 new cases have been added to the hair relaxer class action MDL over the previous month, bringing the total number of pending cases to 275.
August 1st, 2023:
New hair relaxer cancer lawsuits can now be submitted directly to the class action MDL using an approved Short Form Complaint, as authorized by Judge Rowland. This new process is expected to streamline and expedite the filing of such lawsuits, potentially resulting in a higher number of new filings in the MDL.
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July 2023 Updates:
July 18th 2023:
The MDL saw a significant increase in hair relaxer cancer lawsuits last month, with 87 new cases added, marking the highest monthly total since the start of the MDL.
This surge continues a steady upward trend in new case filings observed over the past four months. In February, there were only 21 pending cases in the MDL, but currently, there are 236 pending cases.
July 5th, 2023:
Revlon provided an update on their ongoing bankruptcy proceedings and responded to the plaintiffs’ status report, submitted on June 30, 2023, before the MDL judge.
Despite being in bankruptcy, the significance of Revlon’s case lies in its possession of a substantial insurance policy to cover hair relaxer cancer lawsuits.
The company is responsible for various hair relaxer brands, including Crème of Nature, African Pride, French Perm, Fabulaxer, Revlon Professional, Revlon Realistic, Herbarich, and All Ways Natural Relaxer.
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June 2023 Updates:
June 8th, 2023:
Attorneys representing victims in federal hair relaxer lawsuits are urging the Court to reject a proposal by the product manufacturers to divide the discovery process, citing concerns about potential lengthy delays in the litigation.
Manufacturers of hair relaxer products, in response to mounting lawsuits, have requested the court to bifurcate discovery.
This would limit discovery to general causation information on the link between hair relaxers and cancer while staying all other discovery related to manufacturers’ liability, awareness of risks, and extent of damages.
In a brief submitted on June 5th, plaintiffs underscored bifurcation’s potential to cause substantial delays in the litigation process, escalate costs significantly, and its track record of being “incredibly inefficient” in achieving a resolution or settlement.
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May 2023 Updates:
A new study reveals that chemical hair straighteners can impact a person’s ability to have children.
Both current and former users of chemical hair straighteners are at risk.
There is also a connection between sustained scalp burns when using these products and lower chances of a successful pregnancy.
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April 2023 Updates:
April 1st, 2023:
The MDL judge issued an order that enables any plaintiff whose case would be subjected to transfer to the hair relaxer class action lawsuit to file their case directly in the MDL in the Northern District of Illinois.
The order includes specific procedures for direct filing, such as paying a filing fee and designating a venue in the complaint.
However, this order does not waive any party’s legal rights or remedies, nor does it determine the jurisdiction or choice of law.
Defendants do not have to respond to any complaint filed directly in the MDL unless ordered by the court or agreed upon by the parties.
The number of new hair relaxer lawsuits filed across the country has been increasing, with over 200 pending cases and 38 new lawsuits filed in federal courts in the last two weeks of March.
With the recent order allowing new cases to be filed directly in the hair relaxer class action MDL, it is expected that the rate of new filings will increase even further.
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March 2023 Updates:
March 2nd, 2023:
The hair relaxer class action MDL will undergo its first status conference in Chicago, presided over by MDL Judge Mary Rowland.
One of the first orders of business for Judge Rowland will be the selection of a plaintiffs’ steering committee (PSC).
The PSC will consist of a group of plaintiffs’ lawyers appointed by Judge Rowland, who will meet regularly to make collective decisions on behalf of all plaintiffs involved in the litigation.
Judge Rowland will also address other procedural matters such as discovery protocol for electronic information and evidence preservation.
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February 2023 Updates:
February was a significant month for the hair relaxer product liability lawsuits.
February 1st, 2023:
Seven new lawsuits were filed in federal courts, spread across several districts in the United States.
These cases brought the total number of hair relaxer lawsuits filed in January to 23.
The JPML was expected to consolidate these cases into a new class action lawsuit sometime in February, with Chicago being the likely venue.
February 5th, 2023:
The EPA announced that it plans to regulate phthalates, which are believed to cause hormone cancers like uterine and ovarian cancer, like Diisononyl Phthalate (DINP), a chemical found in hair relaxer products.
February 6th, 2023:
The MDL panel agreed to form a hair relaxer class action lawsuit and that Illinois would be the most appropriate venue for the case.
February 7th, 2023:
Judge Mary Rowland was appointed as the judge for the mass tort.
Since then, eleven more hair relaxer product liability lawsuits were filed in federal courts, with seven being filed in the Northern District of Illinois, and the remaining four being transferred into the new MDL hair relaxer class action lawsuit in Chicago.
February 27th, 2023
24 new hair relaxer lawsuits were filed, marking the highest weekly volume of new hair relaxer product liability lawsuits to date and potentially the start of a major wave of new cases.
All 24 cases were filed in the Northern District of Illinois where the hair relaxer class action is already pending.
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January 2023 Updates:
The Hair Relaxer Lawsuit is growing, and more cases are being filed across the country on behalf of women who have suffered.
As momentum grows for the lawsuit in the US, L’Oreal is also facing legal action in Canada.
A class action lawsuit was filed against the hair product manufacturer.
The class action claim against L’Oreal claims that its products contain certain chemicals that may cause serious health problems.
Contact us for a free consultation.
You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out whether you qualify for a Hair Relaxer claim instantly.
What Are the Hair Product Uterine Cancer Lawsuits?
On October 24, 2022, The Washington Post and other outlets reported that a federal lawsuit was filed against L’Oréal and other cosmetics companies, alleging that hazardous chemicals found in their hair straightening products put consumers at an increased risk of developing uterine cancer.
The lawsuit was filed by Jenny Mitchell, who was forced to undergo a hysterectomy at 28 after being diagnosed with uterine cancer.
The lawsuit was filed just a short time after the NIH published the results of their study.
The study followed 33,497 Sister Study participants over 10+ years and confirmed a link between hair-relaxing products and uterine cancer.
The findings were especially concerning for Black women like Mitchell, who have reported using chemical hair straightening products at higher rates than other demographics.
Uterine cancer is more common among Black women than women in other groups, and tragically, Black women are also more likely to die due to uterine cancer than women from other demographics.
Still, anyone who developed uterine cancer after using chemical hair straightening products could be entitled to recover damages through a civil lawsuit.
If you meet these criteria, you might be able to pursue compensation for medical expenses, in-home care, lost income, lost quality of life, mental anguish, pain and suffering, and other losses.
To determine whether you qualify for a lawsuit, you should reach out to an experienced Illinois product liability lawyer at TruLaw.
What Is Uterine Cancer?
Uterine cancer is an umbrella term for a group of cancers that affect the uterus.
The uterus, where unborn fetuses grow during pregnancy, is the primary component of the female reproductive system.
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of uterine cancer include:
- Pain in the pelvic area
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Irregular vaginal bleeding between periods or after menopause
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Abnormal menstruation
- Abnormal weight loss
There are two types of uterine cancer: endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma.
Endometrial cancer is far more common than uterine sarcoma.
According to the American Cancer Society, it is the most prevalent cancer of the female reproductive system.
Endometrial cancer occurs in the inner lining of the uterus when cells there grow out of control and form a tumor.
A hysterectomy is typically the recommended course of treatment.
The other type of uterine cancer, uterine sarcoma, is a much rarer type of cancer than endometrial cancer.
It occurs in the muscle of the uterus as well as in surrounding tissues.
The American Cancer Society says that uterine sarcomas account for just two to five percent of uterine cancers.
Which Chemicals in Hair Straightening Products Are Linked to Uterine Cancer?
The NIH study didn’t compile data on specific brands that participants used, but it did name numerous chemicals typically found in hair straightening products that could increase the likelihood of developing uterine cancer.
Those chemicals include:
- Formaldehyde
- Parabens
- Sodium hydroxide
- Triclosan
- Bisphenol A
- Heavy metals
- Diethanolamine
- Benzophenone-3
- Cyclosiloxanes
The chemicals in hair straightening products have also been linked to breast cancer and other hormone-related cancers.
Who Is Most At-Risk of Developing Uterine Cancer Due to Hair Products?
Women who regularly use hair straightening products may have a higher risk of developing uterine cancer when compared with people who don’t use these products.
Because hair straightening products (also called hair relaxers) are very popular with Black women, Black women may be more vulnerable to developing uterine cancer from these products than other groups.
Black women already pass away due to uterine cancer at double the rate of other racial and ethnic groups.
According to the University of Washington, the mortality rate for Black women with endometrial cancer is 39.1 percent.
For white women, it is 19.8 percent. In general, Black women have a 55 percent higher mortality rate for endometrial cancer than other demographics.
Contact TruLaw for Help with Your Hair Product Uterine Cancer Lawsuit
The attorneys at TruLaw are currently investigating claims that the chemicals found in hair relaxers can lead to uterine cancer.
If you believe you qualify for a lawsuit, you should contact a product liability attorney at TruLaw for a free, instant case evaluation.
The recent federal lawsuit filed by Jenny Mitchell has been called a “watershed moment” for women of color who were never warned about the dangers of frequently using hair straightening products by L’Oréal and other cosmetic companies.
The fact that many Black women straighten their hair because of societal pressures makes this issue even more tragic.
We will be monitoring the status of civil legal action against the manufacturers of hair straightening products as we gather prospective clients and work to assess the viability of hair product uterine cancer lawsuits.
Reach out to our legal team today if you think you might have a case.
We’ll review the details of your situation and discuss your legal options.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the association between hair relaxer products and uterine cancer?
The association between hair relaxer products and uterine cancer is a topic of ongoing research and discussion in the scientific community.
Key Points:
- Studies indicate a possible connection.
- The link requires further research.
- Individual risk can be affected by several factors.
Studies Indicate a Possible Connection:
Research has suggested a potential link between the use of hair relaxer products and an increased risk of uterine cancer.
However, it’s important to note that these findings are preliminary and not yet definitive.
The Link Requires Further Research:
While initial studies have indicated a potential connection, this link requires further investigation.
More comprehensive research is needed to conclusively establish the relationship between hair relaxer use and uterine cancer.
Individual Risk Can Be Affected By Several Factors:
The risk of developing uterine cancer from hair relaxer use can be influenced by various factors.
These include genetic predisposition, lifestyle choices, and the frequency of product usage.
To conclude, while there is some evidence suggesting a link between hair relaxer use and uterine cancer, more research is needed to confirm this association.
Individual risk factors also play a significant role in determining the likelihood of developing this condition.
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Is it possible to pursue legal action if I developed health conditions after using chemical hair relaxers?
Legal recourse may be available for individuals who have developed health conditions after using chemical hair relaxers.
Key Points:
- Legal action is a viable option.
- Lawsuits have been lodged against manufacturers.
- Manufacturers are accused of not adequately informing consumers.
Legal Action is a Viable Option:
If you’ve developed health issues such as cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids after using chemical hair relaxers, you may be able to pursue legal action.
This can provide compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Lawsuits Have Been Lodged Against Manufacturers:
Numerous Hair Relaxer lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturers of these products.
These legal actions seek to hold the companies accountable for the health issues experienced by users of their products.
Manufacturers are Accused of Not Adequately Informing Consumers:
The Hair Relaxer lawsuits allege that the manufacturers of hair relaxer products did not sufficiently warn consumers about potential health risks.
This includes a heightened risk of developing conditions like uterine cancer.
To conclude, if you’ve developed health conditions after using chemical hair relaxers, pursuing legal action may be a viable option.
Manufacturers are currently facing lawsuits for allegedly failing to adequately inform consumers about the potential risks associated with their products.
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What is the risk of uterine cancer for frequent users of hair straighteners?
The risk of uterine cancer for frequent users of hair straighteners is a subject of ongoing research.
Key Points:
- Research suggests a higher risk.
- Individual risk can vary significantly.
- More research is necessary to establish a definitive correlation.
Research Suggests a Higher Risk:
Preliminary studies suggest that regular users of hair straighteners might face a higher risk of uterine cancer.
This potential link is a cause for concern and warrants further investigation.
Individual Risk Can Vary Significantly:
It’s important to note that individual risk can vary greatly.
Factors such as genetic predisposition, lifestyle choices, and the frequency of product usage can all influence a person’s risk of developing uterine cancer.
More Research is Necessary to Establish a Definitive Correlation:
While initial studies suggest a potential risk, more comprehensive research is necessary to definitively establish a correlation between the frequent use of hair straighteners and an increased risk of uterine cancer.
To conclude, while there is some evidence suggesting a higher risk of uterine cancer for frequent users of hair straighteners, more research is needed to confirm this link.
Individual risk factors also play a significant role in determining the likelihood of developing this condition.
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What are the claims in the uterine cancer lawsuit related to hair relaxers?
The uterine cancer lawsuits related to hair relaxers involve several key claims against the manufacturers of these products.
Key Points:
- Manufacturers did not sufficiently warn consumers.
- Plaintiffs developed health issues following product use.
- The lawsuits involve potential health hazards.
Manufacturers Did Not Sufficiently Warn Consumers:
The lawsuits claim that the manufacturers of hair relaxer products did not adequately inform consumers about the potential risks associated with their products.
This includes a possible increased risk of uterine cancer.
Plaintiffs Developed Health Issues Following Product Use:
Some plaintiffs in these lawsuits allege that they developed health conditions, such as uterine cancer, after using hair relaxer products.
They argue that their health issues are a direct result of using these products.
The Lawsuits Involve Potential Health Hazards:
The core of these lawsuits revolves around potential health hazards associated with the use of hair relaxer products.
The plaintiffs argue that the manufacturers failed to provide sufficient warning about these risks.
To conclude, the uterine cancer lawsuits related to hair relaxers primarily claim that manufacturers did not adequately warn consumers about potential health risks.
Some plaintiffs argue that they developed health issues as a direct result of using these products.
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What might be the potential settlement value for a hair relaxer cancer lawsuit?
The potential settlement value for a hair relaxer cancer lawsuit can vary widely based on several factors.
Key Points:
- Settlement value depends on case specifics.
- Severity of injuries impacts settlement value.
- Manufacturer’s alleged negligence plays a role.
Settlement Value Depends on Case Specifics:
The potential settlement value for a hair relaxer cancer lawsuit can significantly vary.
It largely depends on the specifics of the case, including the evidence presented, the jurisdiction, and the parties involved.
Severity of Injuries Impacts Settlement Value:
The severity of the plaintiff’s injuries is a crucial factor in determining the settlement value.
More severe injuries, such as advanced-stage cancer, may lead to higher settlement amounts due to increased medical costs and suffering.
Manufacturer’s Alleged Negligence Plays a Role:
The extent of the manufacturer’s alleged negligence also plays a role in determining the settlement value.
If the manufacturer is found to have knowingly concealed risks or failed to adequately warn consumers, this could increase the potential settlement amount.
To conclude, the potential settlement value for a hair relaxer cancer lawsuit can vary significantly based on the specifics of the case, the severity of the plaintiff’s injuries, and the extent of the manufacturer’s alleged negligence.
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What injuries are typically included in the hair relaxer cancer lawsuit?
The hair relaxer cancer lawsuits typically include a range of health conditions that plaintiffs allege were caused by the use of these products.
Key Points:
- Lawsuits usually include conditions like uterine cancer.
- Endometriosis is often included in the claims.
- Uterine fibroids are also frequently mentioned.
Lawsuits Usually Include Conditions Like Uterine Cancer:
The primary health condition included in hair relaxer cancer lawsuits is uterine cancer.
Plaintiffs allege that their use of hair relaxer products directly led to the development of this condition.
Endometriosis is Often Included in the Claims:
Endometriosis, a painful disorder in which tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside the uterus, is another condition often included in these lawsuits.
Plaintiffs claim that the use of hair relaxer products contributed to the development of this condition.
Uterine Fibroids are Also Frequently Mentioned:
Uterine fibroids, noncancerous growths of the uterus, are also frequently mentioned in these lawsuits.
Plaintiffs allege that their use of hair relaxer products led to the development of these fibroids.
To conclude, the hair relaxer cancer lawsuits typically include health conditions such as uterine cancer, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids.
Plaintiffs allege these conditions were caused by the use of hair relaxer products.
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How does frequent use of hair relaxers potentially increase the risk of uterine cancer?
The potential increase in the risk of uterine cancer due to frequent use of hair relaxers is a topic of ongoing research.
Key Points:
- Regular use might heighten the risk.
- Individual risk can vary significantly.
- More research is necessary to establish a definitive correlation.
Regular Use Might Heighten the Risk:
Research indicates that the regular use of hair relaxers might increase the risk of uterine cancer.
This potential link is a cause for concern and warrants further investigation.
Individual Risk Can Vary Significantly:
It’s important to note that individual risk can vary greatly.
Factors such as genetic predisposition, lifestyle choices, and the frequency of product usage can all influence a person’s risk of developing uterine cancer.
More Research is Necessary to Establish a Definitive Correlation:
While initial studies suggest a potential risk, more comprehensive research is necessary to definitively establish a correlation between the frequent use of hair relaxers and an increased risk of uterine cancer.
To conclude, while there is some evidence suggesting a higher risk of uterine cancer for frequent users of hair relaxers, more research is needed to confirm this link.
Individual risk factors also play a significant role in determining the likelihood of developing this condition.
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Do chemical hair relaxer solutions contain undisclosed endocrine-disrupting chemicals?
The presence of undisclosed endocrine-disrupting chemicals in chemical hair relaxer solutions is a subject of ongoing research.
Key Points:
- Some research suggests the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
- These findings require further research for confirmation.
Some Research Suggests the Presence of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals:
Some studies suggest that hair relaxer products might contain chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system.
These chemicals could potentially lead to health complications, including hormonal imbalances and related diseases.
These Findings Require Further Research for Confirmation:
While some research points to the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in hair relaxer products, these findings require further research for confirmation.
It’s important to note that the presence and impact of these chemicals can vary based on the specific product and its formulation.
To conclude, some research suggests that hair relaxer products might contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
However, these findings require further research for confirmation.
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What are the frequently asked questions in the hair relaxer cancer lawsuit?
The hair relaxer cancer lawsuit has prompted a variety of frequently asked questions from concerned individuals.
Key Points:
- Questions often revolve around potential risks.
- The procedure for filing a lawsuit is a common query.
- The potential settlement value of a case is frequently asked.
Questions Often Revolve Around Potential Risks:
Many individuals are concerned about the potential risks of using hair relaxer products.
They often ask about the link between these products and various health conditions, including uterine cancer.
The Procedure for Filing a Lawsuit is a Common Query:
Another common question is about the procedure for filing a hair relaxer lawsuit.
Individuals want to know how they can take legal action if they believe they have been harmed by hair relaxer products.
The Potential Settlement Value of a Case is Frequently Asked:
Many individuals are curious about the potential settlement value of a hair relaxer cancer lawsuit.
They want to understand what compensation they might expect if their lawsuit is successful.
To conclude, the frequently asked questions in the hair relaxer cancer lawsuit often revolve around the potential risks of using these products, the procedure for filing a lawsuit, and the potential settlement value of a case.
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How can I get detailed information or ask specific questions related to my situation?
Obtaining detailed information or asking specific questions related to your situation often requires professional legal consultation.
Key Points:
- Consult with a lawyer for specific questions.
- Lawyers can provide personalized advice.
- Legal professionals can guide you through the legal process.
Consult with a Lawyer for Specific Questions:
For specific questions or a detailed discussion about your case, it’s recommended to consult with a lawyer.
Legal professionals specializing in product liability or personal injury law can provide the most accurate and relevant advice.
Lawyers Can Provide Personalized Advice:
A lawyer can provide personalized advice based on the specifics of your case.
This can include an evaluation of your potential claim, an explanation of your legal rights, and a discussion of possible legal strategies.
Legal Professionals Can Guide You Through the Legal Process:
Navigating the legal process can be complex and challenging.
A lawyer can guide you through each step, from filing a hair relaxer lawsuit to negotiating a settlement or preparing for trial.
To conclude, for detailed information or specific questions related to your situation, it’s recommended to consult with a lawyer specializing in product liability or personal injury law.
They can provide personalized advice and guide you through the legal process.
Experienced Attorney & Legal SaaS CEO
With over 25 years of legal experience, Jessie is an Illinois lawyer, a CPA, and a mother of three. She spent the first decade of her career working as an international tax attorney at Deloitte.
In 2009, Jessie co-founded her own law firm with her husband – which has scaled to over 30 employees since its conception.
In 2016, Jessie founded TruLaw, which allows her to collaborate with attorneys and legal experts across the United States on a daily basis. This hypervaluable network of experts is what enables her to share reliable legal information with her readers!
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