Overview
Long-term use of chemical hair relaxers and straighteners has been associated with significantly elevated rates of uterine, endometrial, and ovarian cancer in NIH-funded studies. Many of these products contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals including formaldehyde, phthalates, and parabens.
Who is affected
- Long-term users of chemical relaxers (often beginning in childhood)
- Cosmetologists and salon workers
Conditions and diseases
- Uterine cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Uterine fibroids requiring hysterectomy