The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced that it will no longer pursue a previously planned ban on formaldehyde-containing chemical hair relaxers, despite growing evidence linking these products to serious health risks, including uterine cancer. The decision, first reported by CNN, has sparked concern among health advocates and injury attorneys alike.
What Did the FDA Reverse?
The FDA had been on track to prohibit chemical hair-straightening products containing formaldehyde and other harmful chemicals, citing serious health risks. However, the agency recently reversed course, quietly removing the proposed ban from its regulatory agenda.
Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, is released as a gas when some hair relaxers are heated. Exposure to formaldehyde in salons has been linked to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and, more critically, certain cancers, including uterine cancer—a risk that has been disproportionately affecting Black women who are the primary users of these products.
This regulatory reversal leaves these dangerous products on store shelves, despite scientific studies and public pressure calling for their removal.
The Health Risks: What the Science Says
The potential dangers of chemical hair relaxers have been well-documented. A 2022 study published by the National Institutes of Health found that women who frequently used chemical hair-straightening products were more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer compared to those who did not use these products. The study particularly raised alarms because Black women use these products at higher rates and tend to begin using them at younger ages.
The study built on years of research connecting chemical hair relaxers to reproductive health disorders, hormone disruption, and increased cancer risks.
Why This Matters for Victims of Hair Relaxers
Handler, Henning & Rosenberg fights for people who have been harmed by products that should have been safe. When government agencies like the FDA fail to fully protect the public, civil lawsuits are often the only tool individuals have to seek justice and accountability.
The FDA’s decision to reverse course doesn’t mean these products are safe. It means that people who developed uterine cancer from using hair relaxers must now rely on their own awareness—and legal options—to protect themselves.
Our job is holding companies accountable when they continue to sell harmful products, full stop. The scientific evidence about the dangers of chemical hair relaxers is clear, and our team is here to help people understand their rights if they’ve been harmed.
How Consumers Can Protect Themselves
Without regulatory action, it’s even more important for consumers to take proactive steps:
- Know the Ingredients: Look for formaldehyde or its synonyms (like methylene glycol) on product labels.
- Be Cautious of Salons: Ask stylists what products they use and whether they release formaldehyde when heated.
- Consult a Doctor: If you’ve used chemical relaxers and have concerns about your health, consult a healthcare provider.
- Speak to an Attorney: If you or someone you know has developed cancer or another serious health condition after using these products, a personal injury lawyer can help you understand whether you may have a claim.
Our Commitment to Consumer Advocacy
The FDA’s retreat from this issue highlights the importance of civil lawsuits. Regulatory bodies may change their priorities, but that doesn’t change the damage unsafe products can cause. Holding companies accountable through legal action is often the only way to drive real change.
Even when regulatory systems fall short, you are not powerless. Our legal system can still offer a path to justice. Handler, Henning & Rosenberg remains committed to fighting for people harmed by defective and dangerous products, including chemical hair relaxers. If you have questions or believe you may have a claim, contact us today for a free consultation.