A new study suggests that chemical straighteners may be to blame for the rise of rare and aggressive uterine cancer.
Researchers at the US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences followed more than 30,000 people who had a uterus. There were over 300 cases of uterine cancer identified.
The people who had used a chemical straightening product more than four times in a year were more likely to be diagnosed with uterus cancer.
The chance of someone being diagnosed with uterine cancer by their 70th birthday is 1.64 percent if they never used hair smoothing products. It goes up to 4.05 percent among those who frequently change their hair color.
The link between hair dyes and cancer was not found.
The first evidence of an association between use of straightening products and cancer has been found.
The worrisome results are the latest from a string of studies on widely-used chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system.
Excess hormones have been linked to cancer in the past, and many hair products can mimic these natural hormones.
Researchers found chemicals in hair products. 84 percent of the chemicals were not listed on the product labels, and 11 products contained chemicals that were not allowed under the European Union's Cosmetics Directive.
Federal regulations in the US only require testing for pesticides and drinking water contaminants. Public health is at risk because hair products are not included.
Black women who get hair dye more often are more likely to get breast cancer, according to a study funded by the National Institute of Health.
There is a correlation between permanent hair dye and ovarian cancer.
It can be added to the list. The study on this latest type of cancer did not identify differences between racial and ethnic groups, but the authors note that because Black women use straightening products at younger ages, higher rates, and higher concentrations, the risks are greater. 89 percent of African American women used chemical relaxers, according to one study.
Some chemicals in hair products can explain the effects of cancer, but researchers at the National Institute of Health are still trying to figure out which ones.
Chemicals that might not fit through thicker areas of skin, such as the palms or abdomen, are easily absorbed by the human scalp. It is possible that flat ironing or blow drying could cause more harm than good.
The authors found that women with low physical activity were more likely to use straighteners.
Women with higher levels of physical activity are less likely to be at risk for uterine cancer. More studies are needed to understand the link between hair product use and cancer.
Roughly half of all women in the US have used permanent hair dye at one point, and smoothing treatments and Brazilian Blowouts are becoming more popular.
Hairdressers and their clients need to be aware of what these products are doing to their health.
The study was published in a national journal.
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