Hair-straightening products pose an increased risk of developing uterine cancer, particularly among black women, according to a large US National Institutes of Health study released Monday and cited in the lawsuit.
Cancer of the uterus (other than cervical cancer) is a relatively rare type of cancer, but its incidence rate is increasing in the United States, primarily among black women.
According to the study, those who use these products more than four times a year double the risk of developing uterine cancer.
The civil lawsuit seeks damages from the US division of L’Oréal, the French cosmetics giant.
“Without a doubt, the tragic case of Mrs. Mitchell is one of many where corporations have aggressively misled black women to increase their profits,” said Crump, recognized for defending many black families in cases of police brutality.