The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suggested a ban on the inclusion of formaldehyde in chemical hair straightening products—also known as hair relaxers—a treatment frequently sought by African Americans with frizzier hair textures.
The proposed ban is scheduled to take effect in April 2024, according to Forbes.
Formaldehyde is a colorless, combustible compound produced industrially and used in a wide range of products, such as cosmetics, garment making, plastic production, disinfectants, and tobacco smoke, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A potent allergen and a carcinogen, formaldehyde is highly toxic to humans.
In a hair salon with inadequate ventilation, the release of formaldehyde into the air during the heat processing step can have both immediate and prolonged effects on those who inhale it.
The federal government’s decision is a significant advancement in promoting awareness of the potential risks associated with health and beauty products and may trigger a large-scale recall of some popular hair straighteners.
The Epoch Times has reached out to the FDA for comment.
The FDA has indicated that individuals with frequent or extended exposure to formaldehyde have reported encountering adverse reactions in their eyes, nose, and lungs, including eye irritation, vertigo, respiratory issues, nausea, chest pain, and skin irritations.
Formaldehyde can lead to the development of more severe health conditions, such as cancer.
According to the National Cancer Institute, prolonged exposure to formaldehyde can increase the risk of myeloid leukemia, a blood and bone marrow cancer, as well as other uncommon cancers impacting the paranasal sinuses, nasal cavity, and nasopharynx.
The FDA currently advises consumers, especially those who are sensitive to formaldehyde, to refrain from using hair-straightening products that contain formaldehyde-releasing ingredients.
The FDA’s proposed ban is being introduced after Reps. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) and Shontel Brown (D-Ohio) penned an open letter in March, urging the agency to investigate the potential carcinogens in chemical hair straighteners that may heighten the risk of uterine cancer.
Safety Concerns Over Chemical Hair Straightening
Over the past few years, research has shed light on the potential health hazards associated with the use of chemical hair-straightening treatments.
The American Journal of Epidemiology published a study this year that showed how the use of chemical hair straighteners can lead to lower fertility rates in women.
The findings from two studies, one published in Carcinogenesis in 2021 and another in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in 2022, indicate that women who use chemical hair straighteners more than four times a year face a twofold increased risk of ovarian cancer and a more than twofold increased risk of uterine cancer.
A 2019 study in the International Journal of Cancer also found that women who frequently used chemical hair straighteners and permanent dye had an increased likelihood of developing breast cancer.
Although none of these studies provided conclusive evidence regarding the association between hair relaxers and cancer, they did establish a potential connection between regular use of chemical hair straighteners and the development of breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers and low fertility rates.
How to Safely Use Hair Smoothing Products
To ensure safety, the FDA advises seeking a licensed hair professional at a salon for a hair-relaxing treatment rather than attempting it yourself.
When applying hair smoothing products, hair professionals should prioritize safety by wearing gloves, safety glasses, and ensuring proper ventilation.
Before making a purchase for home-use, take the time to review the list of ingredients, whether you’re shopping in-store or online. If the label doesn’t come with a list of ingredients, skip it.
Some products that claim to be formaldehyde-free can still release formaldehyde after being heated. If you spot ingredients such as formaldehyde, formalin, or methylene glycol listed on the packaging or company website of the hair smoothing product, it means that the product contains formaldehyde or will release it.
According to the FDA, the existing legislation does not necessitate the agency’s endorsement for cosmetic products and ingredients, except for color additives, nor does it compel companies to disclose their information to the FDA. Nevertheless, it is the legal obligation of companies and individuals involved in product sales to guarantee the safety of the product and its components.
From The Epoch Times
