Chemical hair relaxers used predominantly by Black women contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) including parabens, bisphenol-A, formaldehyde, and phthalates. A 2022 NIH Sister Study found that frequent use of chemical hair relaxers was associated with significantly elevated uterine cancer risk. MDL 3060 is in active discovery with bellwether selection underway.
The 2022 Chang et al. NIH study (JNCI) found a 2.55x increased risk of uterine cancer in frequent hair relaxer users — the key causation anchor. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals in relaxers mimic estrogen and disrupt hormonal pathways. Black women are disproportionately affected due to higher use rates and earlier age of first exposure.
MDL formed in 2023. Discovery ongoing. Primary injury is uterine cancer and uterine fibroids. L'Oreal and Revlon are primary defendants. Bellwether selection projected 2025. Predominantly affects Black women who used chemical relaxers for years.