Overview
- Silent Spring Institute tested 43 synthetic and human hair extension products and identified 169 chemicals, with hazardous substances in 41 samples.
- The analysis flagged 48 chemicals on major hazard lists, including 12 on California’s Proposition 65, and found 17 compounds linked to breast cancer across 36 samples.
- Nearly 10% of products contained toxic organotins, with some levels above European Union health-based thresholds, highlighting previously undocumented risks in this category.
- Only two products—both labeled as non-toxic or toxic-free—showed no hazardous chemicals, while most items lacked ingredient disclosure on packaging.
- Researchers cite potential exposure from prolonged wear and heat styling and note pending policy moves, including disclosure and restriction bills in New York and New Jersey and proposals in the federal Safer Beauty Bill Package, with the FDA reported as considering measures.