Is synthetic braiding hair killing you? The science

Is synthetic braiding hair giving people cancer? According to Consumer Reports, they contain carcinogens like benzene, toxic heavy metals like lead, and VOCs that pose a health risk... but does the evidence add up?

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0:00 Intro
0:23 Which results are important?
1:52 Top findings
2:38 Carcinogens - benzene
5:22 Braiders?
7:26 Heavy metals, lead
10:21 VOCs, acetone, styrene
13:04 Other chemicals, FDA petition
15:38 A little rant about Consumer Reports
16:57 Hair straightening and uterine cancer?

🙋🏻 I'm Michelle, a chemistry PhD, cosmetic chemist and science educator, here to explain how beauty products work, debunk myths, and help you make smarter decisions about your skincare, hair and makeup!

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www.consumerreports.org/health/wigs-hair-extension…
theconversation.com/elevated-lead-levels-in-sydney…
www.agdaily.com/insights/are-there-dangerous-level…
www.naturopathicdiaries.com/
sciencebasedmedicine.org/category/naturopathy/
beautyscicomm.com/hair-straightening-chemicals-and…

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