Lawsuits have been filed by women with cancer who used hair relaxers that contained DEHP, phthalates, and other toxic chemicals.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting DEHP induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know used hair relaxers and was diagnosed with uterine cancer, breast cancer, fibroids, or endometriosis, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Toxic Chemical Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
What is DEHP?
DEHP (Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate) is a type of chemical called a phthalate. DEHP was first used in the U.S. in 1949. It was once the most commonly-used phthalate, but the use of DEHP has been decreasing due to health concerns like cancer and developmental problems in children.
Hair Relaxer Cancer Risks Linked to DEHP and Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals
L’Oreal and other beauty companies have been hit by a growing number of hair relaxer lawsuits from people who blame their cancer on DEHP and other phthalates.
These lawsuits allege that DEHP is an endocrine-disrupting chemical, which means that it mimics the effects of estrogen in the body. This may explain why studies have linked hair relaxers to hormonally-sensitive uterine cancers, breast cancers, fibroids, and endometriosis.
Another problem is that hair relaxers commonly cause skin irritation, scalp sores, and chemical burns. These areas of broken skin provide a pathway for DEHP and other chemicals to be absorbed into the body, which is why toxic chemicals in hair relaxers are so concerning.
Health Risks Linked to Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals
What Are Phthalates?
Phthalates may be found in hair relaxers and plastic products, including shoes, shower curtains, nail polish, garden hoses, car interiors, playground equipment, lunch boxes, and many more.
Phthalates are usually used as “plasticizers,” which means they are added to make plastic more flexible. Phthalates are also used to make fragrances last longer on the body or in the air. Hair relaxers, shampoo, perfume, nail polish, and candles are just a few examples of common household products that may contain phthalate chemicals.
Why Do Hair Relaxers Contain Phthalates?
In hair relaxers, phthalates are rarely listed on the label — but you may see “perfume” or “fragrance” on the label. DEHP or other phthalates are commonly added to perfumes to disguise the harsh chemical smell of the product, and leave your hair smelling nice.
You Probably Have Phthalates In Your Blood
The problem is that phthalates easily leach out of products, and they can be absorbed into the body when they are breathed in the air. This is why early all Americans (even newborn babies) test positive for phthalates in their bloodstream. No one knows the long-term risks.
Other Phthalates Linked to Health Problems
DEHP is actually being phased out of a lot of consumer products because it has been linked to cancer, birth defects, hormonal health issues, and abnormal sexual development in children.
Instead of DEHP, some companies are using a similar chemical called DINP, which is another phthalate that is also linked to health problems.
In California, six phthalates are on the Proposition 65 warning list because they have been linked to cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm:
- BBP (butyl benzyl phthalate)
- DBP (di-n-butyl phthalate)
- DEHP (di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate)
- DIDP (di-isodecyl phthalate)
- DINP (diisononyl phthalate)
- DnHP (di-n-hexyl phthalate)
Do I have a DEHP Cancer Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting DEHP induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know used hair relaxers and was diagnosed with uterine cancer, breast cancer, fibroids, or endometriosis, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Toxic Chemical Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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