Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- In your experience or knowledge, is straightening hair a common hair treatment in your country? Could you share some details or practices associated with it?
- Besides hair straightening, what other common hair treatments or practices do you often come across or use in your region or community?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- ban /ban/
- concern /kuhn-SURN/
- chemical /KEM-i-kuhl/
- link /lingk/
- brand /brand/
[noun] – an official order that prevents something from happening
The government issued a ban on smoking in public places.
[noun] – a worried or nervous feeling about something, or something that makes you feel worried
The recent economic downturn is a major concern for many families.
[noun] – any basic substance that is used in or produced by a reaction involving changes to atoms or molecules
This cleaning product contains a mixture of different chemicals.
[verb] – to make a connection between two or more people, things, or ideas
The professor linked various concepts to create a comprehensive theory.
[noun] – a type of product made by a particular company and sold under a particular name
Consumers often choose products based on the reputation and quality associated with a particular brand.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
The FDA is considering a ban on specific hair-straightening products, including chemical relaxers and pressing agents, due to health concerns tied to substances like formaldehyde. These chemicals are found in about half of products designed for Black women, compared to just 7% for White women. Their use is associated with a higher risk of certain cancers, particularly among Black and Latina women. Representatives Ayanna Pressley and Shontel Brown are calling for an FDA investigation, but implementing a ban through the proposed rule may take time.
Chemical hair straighteners, often aimed at Black women, contain harmful substances linked to cancer. Long-time users are suing beauty companies over cancer concerns. The FDA’s proposed rule, though not product-specific, could affect many due to common chemical use. A study found a 150% higher risk of uterine cancer in women using specific straighteners. Representatives Pressley and Brown support the FDA’s move, especially for affected Black women. Millions start using these products early and continue through life. Some, like Rhonda Terrell and Jennifer Mitchell, sued brands, claiming products caused their cancer. Terrell started at eight and continued into her forties, battling cancer and chemotherapy. Unfortunately, the cancer returned. Mitchell, who started in third grade, was diagnosed at 28 and needed a full hysterectomy. Companies like L’Oreal, facing lawsuits, insist their products are safe. The proposed FDA rule is a big step toward addressing the risks linked with these treatments.
Chemical hair straighteners, often aimed at Black women, contain harmful substances linked to cancer. Long-time users are suing beauty companies over cancer concerns. The FDA’s proposed rule, though not product-specific, could affect many due to common chemical use. A study found a 150% higher risk of uterine cancer in women using specific straighteners. Representatives Pressley and Brown support the FDA’s move, especially for affected Black women. Millions start using these products early and continue through life. Some, like Rhonda Terrell and Jennifer Mitchell, sued brands, claiming products caused their cancer. Terrell started at eight and continued into her forties, battling cancer and chemotherapy. Unfortunately, the cancer returned. Mitchell, who started in third grade, was diagnosed at 28 and needed a full hysterectomy. Companies like L’Oreal, facing lawsuits, insist their products are safe. The proposed FDA rule is a big step toward addressing the risks linked with these treatments.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What is the FDA considering banning, and why?
- Why are chemical hair straighteners concerning, particularly for Black women?
- How might the proposed rule by the FDA affect many people who use hair-straightening products?
- What health risks were discovered in a study related to specific hair straighteners?
- Why are individuals like Rhonda Terrell and Jennifer Mitchell suing beauty companies?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you or anyone you know personally experienced or used chemical hair straighteners or similar products? If so, what has been your or their experience with these products? If not, what are your thoughts or opinions on the potential health risks associated with these products?
- How do you feel about the FDA considering a potential ban on certain hair-straightening products due to health risks associated with the chemicals they contain? What impact do you think this could have on consumers and the beauty industry as a whole?
- Do you think the FDA’s proposed rule to ban certain hair-straightening products is important for public health?
- How can the beauty industry provide safer hair care options for everyone’s health?
- Aside from rules, what else can be done to address the health risks of chemical hair straighteners?