Women of color including African women, Latina, and Asian-American women have been confirmed to expose to higher levels of beauty products derived from harmful chemicals such as hydroquinone, steroids, and inorganic mercury than white women, “most likely because of racist beauty ideals,” a new research found in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology claims.
As Ami Zota, ScD, MS, an environmental epidemiologist at the George Washington University pointed out, “Pressure to meet Western standards of beauty means Black, Latina and Asian American women are using more beauty products and thus are exposed to higher levels of chemicals known to be harmful to health.” The research affirmed that the “mass distribution of images that idealize whiteness” and “racial discrimination” at workplaces propel these women of color to spend more money on relaxers and hair straighteners, which as a result increases their exposure to health hazards.
“Many of the hair relaxers and dyes are multi-step products that increase the chance of being exposed to hazardous chemicals,” Paul Pestano, an Environmental Working Group analyst confirmed. “Some of the hair lotions and styling gels contain ingredients of concern like parabens, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, and ‘fragrance.” And as the report added, “Straighteners and relaxers are often laced with estrogen, which has been linked to premature reproductive development and uterine tumors.”
Opening image: Google!
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