Popular African-American hair products may contain toxic chemicals, research says

Research indicates there may be a link between chemicals found in popular hair products used by black women and girls and hormone and asthma-related illnesses.

A study, conducted by researchers at Silent Springs Institute in Newton, Massachusetts, and Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, Ohio, suggests the main ingredients in things as common as shampoo and conditioner may contain harmful chemicals linked to cancer and preterm birth. The study was made available online in April by the Environmental Research journal.