"The research, published in the American Chemical Society journal Environment & Health, provides the strongest evidence to-date about the potential health risks associated with these beauty products, which are largely unregulated. The risks disproportionately affect Black women: The study found over 70% of Black women report wearing hair extensions at least once in the past year, compared with "less than 10% of women from other racial and ethnic groups.""
"Researchers analyzed chemicals in 43 popular hair extension products, including compounds that are not typically tested, and using machine-learning software, were ultimately able to identify 169 of the more than 900 compounds. According to the study, all but two of the samples tested contained hazardous chemicals. Those chemicals included flame retardants, phthalates, pesticides, styrene, tetrachloroethane, and organotins, which are linked with cancer, hormone disruption, developmental problems, and disrupting the immune system. (In girls, they are also linked to early puberty and uterine fibroids.)"
Global demand for hair extensions is rising, projected to reach $14 billion by 2028. Many extensions, including those made from human hair, contain dozens of hazardous chemicals. Products are largely unregulated and often treated with toxic substances for flame resistance, waterproofing, or antimicrobial properties. Analysis of 43 popular products identified 169 of more than 900 compounds using machine-learning methods; all but two samples contained hazardous chemicals. Detected chemicals include flame retardants, phthalates, pesticides, styrene, tetrachloroethane, and organotins. Associated harms include cancer, hormone disruption, developmental problems, immune disruption, early puberty in girls, and uterine fibroids. Use is concentrated among Black women, who experience disproportionate exposure. Companies rarely disclose chemical contents.
Read at Fast Company
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]