Hair Relaxers Linked to Cancer and Serious Health Concerns
Black women who use hair relaxers or straighteners are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer and other serious health concerns. An analysis conducted by the Environmental Working Group found that ingredients in hair relaxers and straighteners are highly hazardous and are often marketed to Black women. A study led by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reported findings that women who frequently use these products are more than twice as likely to develop cancer. There are numerous pending lawsuits throughout the country against L’OREAL USA Products, Soft Sheen-Carson, LLC, Avlon Industries, Inc., Strength of Nature, LLC and other companies for distributing hazardous hair straightener and relaxer products.
Although there are multiple pending lawsuits in Georgia, the most notable suit in the country is, In Re: Hair Relaxer Marking Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation. This matter is currently before the Northern District Court of Illinois and is a consolidation of individual and class actions against these companies who distribute harmful products. Hair straighteners and relaxers contain chemicals which have an adverse impact on female reproductive systems and potentially lead to an increased risk of women developing uterine fibroids, endometriosis, reproductive dysfunction and infertility, and various cancers. Uterine cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer have all been linked to the chemicals found in these hair care products.
Companies who distribute these straighteners and relaxers have failed to sufficiently alert consumers of the toxic ingredients contained in their products. These hair care products are defectively designed because they cause serious injuries and death, but customers are not adequately warned of the health risks. Further, companies who distribute these harmful products are in violation of Georgia’s uniform deceptive trade practices act pursuant to O.C.G.A § 10-1-372. A person or company violates this statute if they represent that goods are of a particular standard, quality, or grade when they aren’t.
You may have a viable claim if you believe that your cancer diagnosis, uterine fibroids, and other health concerns are attributable to your use of hair straighteners and relaxers. Georgia’s statute of limitations determines the time you have to file a claim, so please do not wait to get the legal assistance you need. The attorneys at Harris Lowry Manton LLP have successfully represented clients who have been injured by harmful products distributed to the public. We are available and ready to provide a helping hand and assist you with overcoming the challenges that you are facing. Call or contact us to get started today. Our team takes crane accident victims at both of our offices, which are located in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia.
Our goal is to hold these companies accountable, ensure that other innocent people are not hurt in the future, and secure the highest amount of compensation possible four every client.
Steve Lowry is an award-winning litigator who has secured record-setting jury verdicts on behalf of his clients. A passionate advocate for individuals who have been harmed by the actions of others, Steve has won numerous top 10 verdicts in Georgia.
Read more about Stephen G. Lowry here.