Mitchell’s lawsuit alleges that the National Institutes of Health accused women who frequently used hair straightening products of High risk of developing uterine cancer than women who do not use them. The study, which followed approximately 34,000 women in the United States over the course of her 10-year period, found that women who reported frequent use of chemical corrective agents had a higher risk of It turned out to be more than double.
Uterine cancer is relatively rare, accounting for just over 3% of new cancers this year, according to the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI). However, although cases are increasing in the United States, especially among black womenAn NIH study found that women of other races and ethnicities use chemical hair straighteners and relaxers more often. The NCI estimates that there will be approximately 66,000 new cases of uterine cancer in 2022, with an estimated 12,550 related deaths.
Increasing attention to the potential adverse health effects of corrective products is due to the growing number of black women. incorporate natural hairstyles When reject white beauty standards.
Mitchell said social pressure was the reason she started using hair straightening products at a young age. It ‘flows’ and ‘fits’ a certain way, a certain way, a certain way, to look professional.
Mitchell is suing L’Oreal, Softscene Carson, Strengths of Nature, Dubber and Namaste Laboratories. These are the makers of chemical straighteners and hair restorers that she claims cause uterine cancer. The lawsuit alleges that companies knew, or should have known, that their products increased the risk of cancer, but manufactured and distributed them anyway and failed to warn consumers of such risks. It claims that
For example, Strengths of Nature, which sells Soft & Beautiful, used descriptions such as “botanical” and “ultra nourishing,” according to the complaint. were selling products.
In a statement to The Post, a spokesperson for L’Oréal, which owns the SoftSheen Carson brand, the company said, “We are confident in the safety of our products and have taken steps to respond to recent lawsuits filed against us. We believe there is no legal merit.”
“L’Oréal maintains the highest standards of safety for all of its products,” the spokesperson added. “Our products have undergone a rigorous scientific evaluation for safety by experts who also ensure that we strictly follow all regulations in all markets in which we operate. increase.”
The spokesman also said Statement issued by the Personal Care Products Council, a group representing the cosmetics industry following the publication of the NIH study. Kimberly Norman, the group’s senior director of safety, regulatory and toxicology affairs, argued that the study did not prove that the product or its ingredients directly caused uterine cancer. , said the company’s products are subject to safety regulations, including those established by the Food and Drug Administration.
Other companies named in the lawsuit did not respond to requests for comment.
Mitchell told the Post that she learned about uterine cancer after visiting a fertility clinic because she wanted to start planning a family. and referred Mitchell to an oncologist, she said. About a month later, after the diagnosis, she had her uterus removed, according to the lawsuit.
The diagnosis puzzled Mitchell, she said. Cancer is rare, she was young and had no history of it in her family, but last week she said she believes she has found her answer after seeing news of an NIH study. said.
“I felt cheated. I was hurt. I felt like I had been lied to for my whole life,” Mitchell said, adding, “In a way, you had To comply with certain methods of social norms.”
The lawsuit seeks monetary damages in excess of $75,000, as well as medical and other costs.
Mitchell said she was undergoing regular follow-up after a hysterectomy and was suffering from premature menopause.
In filing the lawsuit, Mitchell thinks of the millions of other black women who use hair straightening products. ‘ said Mitchell, adding:.”
Ben Crump, one of Mitchell’s attorneys, said the lawsuit was meant to tell black girls and young women that “becoming beautiful enough and having straight hair isn’t worth losing a womb.” said.”
Diandra Debrosse Zimmerman, another of Mitchell’s attorneys, expects more lawsuits to be filed. I was.
