Hairstylists at Risk
The EPA doesn’t list hairstylists in its extensive list of occupational risks, but the FDA has acknowledged the link between hair relaxers and formaldehyde exposure. However, it is likely that hairstylists are at risk, given that:
- Formaldehyde gas can escape from these products when heat is applied to the hair
- The EPA just stated that inhaling formaldehyde for longer "chronic" periods of time can reduce lung function and increase asthma and allergy-related conditions, and cancer
- Hairstylists don’t wear appropriate personal protective equipment
- The risk of inhaling chemicals is heightened in an area like a poorly ventilated salon
The Journal of Environmental Exposure Assessment published a study last July 2024 that first reported indoor air concentrations of several volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in U.S. hair salons serving Black and Latina women. Researchers concluded that hairdressers are exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can pose health risks. Further, although women of color represent nearly one-third of all U.S. hairdressers who may be disproportionally exposed to VOCs through occupational and personal use of hair products and treatments specifically formulated for this demographic, data on workplace VOC exposures in this workforce remains sparse.
In 2022, the Journal of Occupational Health looked at the “Association of hairdressing with cancer and reproductive disease”. Researchers found that four studies investigating cancer frequencies and six studies investigating effects on reproduction among hairdressers were identified. They concluded that, “despite the scarce evidence that hairdressers are at increased risk of carcinogenic or reprotoxic effects related to their trade, such health risks cannot be ruled out. Therefore, preventive efforts to diminish occupational exposures to hairdressing chemicals should be targeted.”
And back in 2009, the International Journal of Epidemiology determined that hairdressers have a higher risk of cancer than the general population, because:
- High concentrations of chemical substances have been discovered at some hairdressing salons.
- Chemicals found in the workplace of hairdressers include volatile solvents, cetrimonium chloride, betaine monohydrate, ammonia compounds, cyanoacrylates, methacrylate and nitrosamines, and, of course, formaldehyde;
- Hair products emit chemicals in gaseous form that remain in the work environment may be inhaled as well as absorb through the skin by hairdressers.
Canadian Hair Relaxer Lawsuit
A proposed hair relaxer class action has been filed in Canada against L’Oreal and several other hair relaxer manufacturers. Plaintiff Margaret Sakhrani filed the complaint on behalf of her sister who passed away from ovarian cancer, and on behalf of Quebec residents (or past residents) who used hair straightening products of the respondents. The lawsuit alleges that the Respondents:
- Hair Straightening Products are defective and inherently dangerous, in that they contain harmful chemicals, including hazardous endocrine disrupting chemicals (“EDCs”) and/or formaldehyde, which can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
- These harmful chemicals are not always listed separately as ingredients on the Products’ labels, but instead, are often broadly lumped into “fragrance” or “perfume” categories.
- Did not warn about the risks associated with these chemicals on the Products’ labels.
- The Hair Straightening Products are defective and inherently dangerous in that they cause, materially contribute to, and materially increase the risk of uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and fibroids in individuals who use them.
- Have known about these defects and the risk of significant harm associated with the use of the Products, but have failed to disclose these defects and the resulting risks to the health and life of the Petitioner, Class Members, their treating physicians and regulatory authorities in Quebec and Canada and have failed to recall the Hair Straightening Products.
- Were negligent in failing to conduct any, or any reasonable, pre- and post-marketing research and testing, failing to disclose the results or limitations of any research and studies conducted into the alleged dangers and risks, and failing to warn Class Members of the risks of the use of the Hair Straightening Products.
Hair Relaxer Awareness Heightens
READ MORE HAIR STRAIGHTENER LEGAL NEWS
On its website, the NAACP says the lawsuit “emphasizes that these corporations not only failed to disclose the known risks of their products but actively concealed this information from the public in the interest of profiting off of outdated and harmful white beauty standards. This represents a crucial step in the fight for justice in Black women’s health, aiming to secure compensation for the victims and to send a powerful message that corporations will be held accountable for exploiting and endangering vulnerable communities for financial gain.”