Science Café: The Secret Chemistry of Hair Extensions

A look at new research on harmful chemicals in synthetic hair extensions and what it reveals about the inequity of everyday beauty. This Science Café explores the health risks associated with this largely unregulated category of beauty products, which disproportionately affect Black women. The discussion highlights the intersection of environmental health, culture, and personal care products, and considers how science can inform safer choices and more health-protective policies.

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

12:00-1:00 PM ET (ZOOM)

Featuring: 

• Dr. Elissia Franklin, Research Scientist, Silent Spring Institute
• Dr. Tamarra James-Todd, Professor of Environmental Reproductive Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Moderated by:

• Dr. Beth Whelan, Silent Spring board member and retired senior research epidemiologist at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Past Science Cafés (recordings):

All About Prevention: What providers and patients want to know
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 | 12-1 PM ET | Zoom
Featuring Marybeth Hans, MS, PA-C, Clinical Director, Comprehensive Breast Care Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Dr. Mary Beth Terry, Executive Director, Silent Spring Institute

The Quest for Safer Products: Behind the Scenes
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | 12:00-1 PM ET | Zoom
Featuring Lindsay Dahl, environmental health and consumer safety expert, author of Cleaning House and Dr. Robin Dodson, Research Scientist in Chemical Exposure and Risk Assessment at Silent Spring 

The Science Café speaker series features conversations with experts on a variety of topics related to breast cancer and environmental health, and is made possible thanks to generous contributions to Silent Spring Institute.