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Straightening or curling creams contain formaldehyde, permanent dye, and aromatic chemical intermediates, all of which are carcinogenic (may cause cancer).
For millions of people around the world, cosmetics have long been a part of their everyday lives. Nonetheless, worries about their possible effects on health are intensifying. A recent National Institutes of Health (NIH) study has sparked concerns by associating chemical straighteners and permanent hair dyes with a higher risk of breast cancer. This discovery emphasises the value of making educated decisions regarding one’s appearance and well-being.
The research, which was published in the International Journal of Cancer, examined information from 46,709 women who were part of the Sister Study, a long-term study that looked at the risk of breast cancer in women who had a family history of the condition. Sadly, the results were concerning.
According to the study, women who used permanent hair dyes had a 9 per cent higher chance of getting breast cancer than those who did not. Compared to American women at comparable usage rates, African American women were at considerably greater danger, with a 60 per cent higher likelihood. Additionally, the risk of breast cancer was 30 per cent higher for women who used chemical hair straighteners at least every five to eight weeks. As per these results, there may be dangerous chemicals in some cosmetics that could eventually provide serious health problems.
Moreover, the study identifies two main categories of dangerous ingredients in hair products:
1. Endocrine-Disrupting Compounds (EDCs): These drugs disrupt the body’s hormonal balance by imitating or inhibiting hormones, which may result in diseases like cancer and reproductive disorders.
2. Carcinogens: These substances raise the risk of cancer by damaging DNA or interfering with regular cell functions.
The fact that these substances are found in hair products highlights the need for more stringent laws and increased consumer education.
Although the research clarifies certain hazards associated with hair products, breast cancer is caused by a number of causes, such as:
– Age: Women are more at risk as they age.
– Genetics: The risk of breast cancer is greatly increased by a family history of the disease.
– Hormonal factors can increase risk, such as hormone replacement therapy, late menopause, or early menstruation.
– Lifestyle Decisions: It is well recognised that smoking, drinking alcohol, eating poorly, and not exercising all play a role.
– Environmental Exposures: Extended exposure to dangerous substances, including those found in hair products, might make a person more vulnerable.