Congress Targets Hair Products with Cancer-Causing Ingredients Marketed to Black Women
Mounting evidence is sparking urgent action in Washington, as lawmakers focus on a troubling reality: many hair care products marketed to Black women contain chemicals linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and learning disabilities. 1. A Looming Public Health Crisis Recent investigations have found that popular products like hair relaxers, synthetic braiding extensions, and some dyes contain harmful chemicals. Tests have detected benzene, lead, and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in widely used brands. Many of these chemicals are banned or strictly regulated in other industries — but not in beauty products. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) reviewed over 4,000 products aimed at Black consumers. Alarmingly, over 80% contained at least one ingredient with moderate or high health hazards. These include parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde-releasing agents, and undisclosed fragrance chemicals — all linked to hormone disruption, cancer, and respiratory problems. 2...
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