Numerous legal actions have been initiated in federal courts throughout the United States and Canada, targeting subsidiaries of Dabur International Ltd. These lawsuits allege that the company’s hair-relaxer products are responsible for cases of ovarian and uterine cancer, as reported by CNBC-TV18.
Dabur International Ltd markets hair straightening and relaxing products under multiple brand names for over-the-counter purchase.
As per the CNBC-TV18 report, there are 5,400 cases involved in multidistrict litigation (MDL).
“Cases filed in the US and in Canada against 3 subsidiaries of Dabur,” the report claimed.
Nonetheless, the company anticipates that the expenses associated with defending the litigation will soon exceed the materiality threshold.
At present, the cases are in the initial stages of litigation, encompassing pleadings and early discovery.
“There are various motions pending as well. Since we are in the initial stage of litigation, any final quantum of claim amount is neither probable nor estimable,” it said.
Hair straighteners and relaxers are promoted with the aim of achieving smoother and more manageable hair. Class action lawsuits have asserted that these products contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which are known to raise the risk of developing health issues.
Other major corporations have also faced lawsuits, with consumers claiming the use of hazardous chemicals in their products. Additionally, these consumers have asserted that beauty companies were aware of the presence of these dangerous substances in their products but continued to market and sell them.