There have been several cases filed in the United States and Canada against three subsidiaries of Dabur, as consumers have claimed that the company's hair products may have contributed to the development of ovarian and uterine cancer. These subsidiaries consist of Namaste Laboratories LLC ("Namaste"), Dermoviva Skin Essentials Inc. ("Dermoviva"), and Dabur International Ltd. ("DINTL"), all of which are subsidiaries operating under Dabur India Limited.
Based on the information provided in a filing with the exchange, it appears that the cases are currently in the initial stages of litigation, involving the pleadings and early discovery phases. Presently, there are around 5,400 cases in the MDL, which include defendants such as Namaste, Dermoviva, and DINTL, along with some other industry participants. However, these subsidiaries respectfully deny any liability and have sought legal representation to defend themselves in these lawsuits, as the allegations are based on an unsubstantiated and incomplete study, as stated in the filing.
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In the meantime, the Food and Drug Administration has suggested the prohibition of specific hair straightening products that contain formaldehyde. This move comes as they assert a connection between these products and hormone-related cancers, along with the potential for "long-term adverse health effects,". According to a statement from the US drug regulator, the agency is currently contemplating the possibility of prohibiting the use of formaldehyde and other formaldehyde-releasing chemicals, such as methylene glycol, in straightening products. It has been observed that chemical hair straighteners release substances that are known to cause cancer in humans and may result in enduring negative impacts on health.
According to the report, continuous exposure to formaldehyde may result in various health concerns. In the short term, it may lead to discomfort in the eyes and throat, as well as symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or chest discomfort. Over time, it has the potential to cause persistent issues such as frequent headaches, asthma, and an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer, a form of uterine cancer.
According to a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health, it was found that women in the United States who frequently use straightening products may potentially be exposed to a more than two-fold increased risk of developing uterine cancer compared to those who do not use such products. Additionally, it was observed that these women may encounter difficulties when attempting to conceive a child. The study also found that approximately 60% of the participants who stated they had used straighteners within the last year were Black women.
It is important to note that the rates of uterine cancer have been increasing among all women, but the sharpest rise has been observed among women of colour, including Asian and Hispanic women.
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