Sauder Schelkopf is investigating claims on behalf of women who used chemical hair products and developed uterine cancer. Hair straightening and other hair products may contain dangerous chemicals with endocrine-disrupting and carcinogenic properties.
In October 2022, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reported that women who used chemical hair-straightening products were at a higher risk for uterine cancer compared to women who did not use the products. According to the NIH’s study of more than 33,000 women, women who used straightening products were 2.5 times more likely to develop uterine cancer than those who did not use the products. “We estimated that 1.64% of women who never used hair straighteners would go on to develop uterine cancer by the age of 70; but for frequent users, that risk goes up to 4.05%,” said Alexandra White, Ph.D., head of the NIEHS Environment and Cancer Epidemiology group and lead author on the new study.
Researchers identified several chemicals used in hair-straightening products and relaxers that can put women at a higher risk of developing uterine cancer. Additionally, these chemicals may cause scalp lesions and burns.
They include:
- Formaldehyde
- Sodium Hydroxide
- Parabens
- Cyclosiloxanes
- Diethanolamine
- Phthalates
- Benzophenone-3
- Triclosan
Read October 17, 2022, National Institutes of Health Study
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- Sauder Schelkopf filed the first nationwide class action lawsuit to protect individuals from the increased risk of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), associated with Allergan BIOCELL textured breast implants. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently requested that Allergan recall its BIOCELL textured breast implants and tissue expanders. Allergan agreed and is removing these products from the global market. Our firm was court-appointed to serve on the steering committee.
- Sauder Schelkopf, and co-counsel, reached a $215 million settlement on behalf of female patients of Dr. George Tyndall, a gynecologist at the University of Southern California accused of sexual misconduct since the 1990s. The settlement also included significant policy changes to prevent future sexual misconduct.
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- Sauder Schelkopf represented women in a lawsuit against Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Inc. related to the manufacture and sale of its fertility drug, Bravelle. It was alleged that over an 18-month period Ferring knew or had reason to know that Bravelle was sub-potent and could not deliver on its promised benefits.
- Sauder Schlekopf represented women who were implanted with Essure, a female birth control device. It is alleged that the devices migrated and fractured, punctured internal organs, or caused other injuries.
Related news:
Hair straightening chemicals associated with higher uterine cancer risk
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If you developed uterine cancer after using chemical hair-straightening or hair-relaxing products, please contact the attorneys at Sauder Schelkopf by completing the form on this page.