Relates to hair relaxer labeling

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why April Baskin says this is needed

Many women in communities of color utilize hair relaxers designed to chemically straighten hair. It has been for some time that show these products can contain caustic chemicals that can damage flair or cause scalp burns. Unfortunately, many of these products contain even note dangerous chemicals. Recent studies by the Environmental Working Group and others, including studies published in peer reviewed journals, have found that many of these products contain known carcinogens. These products also can contain chemicals that mimic human reproductive hormones, including chemicals implicated by a number of studies with causing reproductive ailments such as uterine fibroids. Studies have also shown that many who work in the beauty industry also suffer from exposure to harmful chemicals in the products they use in their busi- ness. It is critically important for women to be able to make informed choices about the products they utilize. In order to ensure that women have the information they need, this legislation would mandate that the manufac- turers of hair relaxers place warning labels on their products if those products contain chemicals found to be possible carcinogens or reproduc- tive toxicants. The legislation gives the Attorney General the power to enforce this labelling requirement. Any hair straightening products that don't use toxic substances will riot have to have warning labels. With this information in hand, consumers and businesses will have a chance to protect their own longterm health or that of their workers by being able to make informed choices about which hair relaxing products they utilize.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.