ARGUMENT or POSITION: Although the authors do not believe that all straighteners cause respiratory issues, they support the idea that respiratory harm is dependent on the straightener and whether or not it releases dangerous aerosols. They also advocate for artificial testing over animal testing. 

EVALUATION: This study is helpful in a way where it identifies a long-standing correlation between straighteners and harm to an individual’s health. It mostly centers on aerosol production as a key factor in respiratory decline while ignoring other potential causes. 

RELEVANCE: This article is relevant for my research because it provides a clear numerical approach that specifically links different hair straightening tools to respiratory effects. Also, the study identifies a potential specific cause and specific component of the tool that can cause harm. 

Similarly, the journal article “Adolescent use of hair dyes, straighteners and perms in relation to breast cancer risk” points blame to the dangerous hormonally active and carcinogenic compounds released by straighteners. The article highlights this release of chemicals and their correlation to health issues.

Together, both articles emphasize the danger of hair straighteners and specifically indicate that the root cause of the danger is harmful aerosols emitted from the hair straightening tool. 

ARGUMENT or POSITION: The author believes that straighteners that contain endocrine-disrupting and carcinogenic chemicals contribute to an increased risk of uterine fibroids, particularly in black women. 

EVALUATION: This source is insightful in the notion that it emphasizes the effect on a particular demographic that is widely affected by these tools. I do believe that if the studies contained a more diverse group of women across different racial groups, the data might have been more reflective of the disproportionate effects on black women. 

RELEVANCE: This article is useful to my research as it directly connects hair straightener use to fibroid and cancer risk. The source also centers on Black women and highlights a clear influence that race plays in the disproportionate health effects. 

Similarly, the journal article “Adolescent use of hair dyes, straighteners and perms in relation to breast cancer risk” refers to the difference in straightener use between racial groups to describe an increased risk of premenopausal breast cancer, particularly in Black women, as they use heat tools the most. 

Together, both articles emphasize the racial implications and significant gaps in those affected by hair straightening tool health issues. They hone in on the disproportionate effect of straightener-related health issues on Black women.

ARGUMENT or POSITION: The author argues that chemicals released by straighteners increase the risk of cancer, specifically when exposed to these chemicals at a younger age. 

EVALUATION: This source is helpful because it emphasizes the harm that can be done when straitening tools are used during peak developmental years. The source also refers to a greater harm caused within the Black community. 

RELEVANCE: This article is useful for my research because it detects racial differences in straightener use as well as an indication of an increased risk for premenopausal breast cancer. 

Similarly, the article “Use of hair products in relation to ovarian cancer risk” refers to carcinogens released by straightening tools as well as their absorption into the bloodstream as inducers of ovarian cancer.

Together, both articles emphasize the harmful fumes released by hair straighteners and their relation to cancer cases that affect women specifically. Both articles also refer to the dangers of using straightening tools during developmental years. 

ARGUMENT or POSITION: The author believes that hair straighteners can be linked to an increased risk of cancer, which are primarily used by Black/ African women.  

EVALUATION: This source is helpful because the findings suggest that the use of hair straighteners or chemical relaxers may contribute to an increased risk of ovarian cancer. I am able to use this source to emphasize the dangers of hair straightening tools as well as their disproportionate effect on black women.  

RELEVANCE: This article is useful for my research because it offers measurable evidence that hair straightener use is linked to non-serous tumors. I can use this study to solidify my connection between hair straightening technology to dangerous consequences. 

Similarly, the article “Acute Kidney Injury following Exposure to Formaldehyde-Free Hair-Straightening Products” refers to hazardous effects from straighteners regardless of whether or not they are “formaldehyde-free”. Both articles provide measurable evidence linking hair straightening tools to various harmful conditions.

Together, both articles emphasize the dangers of frequently using hair straightening tools as well as the various dangers that are associated with heat tools. 

ARGUMENT or POSITION: The author argues that even hair straightening tools that are free of formaldehyde are not free of risk because of other toxins. 

EVALUATION: This source is helpful because it serves as evidence of a surplus amount of toxins in these straightening tools and the numerous effects they can have on an individual’s health. Misleading “formaldehyde-free” tools can still carry dangerous toxins with their use. 

RELEVANCE: This article is useful for my research because it centers on a specific case where harmful toxins from a straightener harmed a woman. I can use this article to argue that hair straighteners carry numerous harmful chemicals that contribute to various health disparities.

Similarly, the article “An in vitro inhalation approach to discriminate respiratory effects from hair-straightener products” refers to aerosols released by straighteners as the potential cause of straightener harm. In the article, there is a focus on the respiratory effects of the aerosol effect.

Together, both articles emphasize the risk posed by the release of dangerous toxins by heat tools. Additionally, both articles highlight the multidimensional dangers of hair-straightening tools.