Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Muskan Arora
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suggested prohibiting the use of formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in hair smoothing and straightening products, commonly known as relaxers, citing potential health risks.
Formaldehyde, a commonly utilized substance in medicines and cosmetics, is under scrutiny due to its perceived high toxicity. Numerous studies link its exposure to various cancers, including uterine cancer, along with the risk of skin and eye issues.
Despite the popular association of hair products with beautification, the hidden danger of these chemicals has prompted the FDA to consider a ban on their use.
Research indicates a potential link between the use of chemical hair straighteners containing formaldehyde and an elevated risk of uterine cancer. A 'sister study' revealed that women using such products faced almost twice the incidence of uterine cancer compared to non-users.
Observations suggest that Black women, often frequent users of hair straightening products, initiate usage at earlier ages compared to other ethnicities, potentially making them more susceptible to uterine cancer.
The risk assessment indicates that while 1.64% of women who never used hair straighteners might develop uterine cancer by age 70, frequent users face an increased risk of 4.05%.
Dr Sunny Jain, HOD and Senior Consultant Oncology at Marengo Asia Hospitals Faridabad, while talking to Hindustan Times, advised consumers to choose beauty products cautiously, emphasizing thorough research before use.
Uterine cancer, specifically Endometrial Cancer, originates in the uterus. Lifestyle factors, such as obesity and exposure to chemicals like formaldehyde, contribute to its occurrence.
While uterine cancer constitutes 2.5% of all cancers in Indian women, the incidence is rapidly increasing due to changing lifestyles, including obesity, lack of physical activity, and altered reproductive profiles.
Dr Rashmi Rekha Bora, Senior Consultant at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, emphasised the role of environmental factors, including exposure to hair straightening products containing formaldehyde, in contributing to uterine cancer. Early diagnosis and caution in product use are recommended to mitigate risks.