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After decades of causing harm, FDA considers ban on some Black women’s hair products

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has indicated its consideration of issuing a proposed rule to ban hair straighteners that contain formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and has been linked to an increased risk of endometrial cancers, particularly when used in chemical hair straighteners often marketed to Black women.

However, this issue extends beyond just hair straighteners. Many products, including perms, hair relaxers, lotions, and gels, specifically targeted at Black women, have been found to be associated with an increased risk of health problems, including diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and health risks during pregnancy. These concerns have been prevalent for years. 

Historically, western beauty standards have favored straight and long hair, while textured hair with tight curls or coils has often been marginalized. This has deep roots in issues of racism and discrimination related to how women of color wear their hair, especially in professional settings. 

Some women use chemical hair relaxers due to societal pressures to achieve a smooth and sleek look, ease of hair management, and personal style preferences.

Studies have revealed that many of these hair products contain chemicals such as phthalates, known endocrine disruptors that can mimic, block, or interfere with hormones in the body. One alarming statistic is that approximately 50% of hair products advertised to Black women contain these chemicals, whereas only about 7% of products advertised to white women do.

Exposure to phthalates has been associated with various health issues, including obesity, diabetes, pre-term birth, uterine fibroids, uterine cancer, and hormonal disruptions. Some permanent hair relaxers have been linked to different types of cancer, including breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer.

Studies have also demonstrated associations between early childhood use of these products and health risks, such as an earlier onset of menstruation, which increases the risk of breast cancer.

Efforts to mitigate the harm caused by these products can involve switching to cleaner and safer alternatives, as phthalates are excreted from the body relatively quickly. Intervention studies have shown that by substituting harmful products with cleaner ones, individuals can reduce their exposure to these harmful chemicals.

While the potential FDA ban on formaldehyde in hair straighteners is considered a crucial step, experts emphasize that the issue extends beyond just one chemical. There is a need for a comprehensive approach to address multiple chemicals of concern in these products. 

The FDA is still in the early stages of the regulatory process, and more research and regulatory actions may be necessary to address the broader issue of harmful chemicals in personal care products.

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