Concerned lawmakers have recently requested that the FDA begin regulating chemical hair straighteners that have been alleged to cause health problems and other undesirable effects. The dangerous product at the center of the issue is known as Brazilian Blowout, which was recently found to contain high levels of formaldehyde, despite claims by its manufacturer that it does not. Congress has proposed amendments the Safe Cosmetics Act to allow the FDA to more easily pull such products from the market.

Exposure to high levels formaldehyde has been shown to cause hair loss, breathing difficulty, nosebleeds and an increased risk of cancer. In addition to affecting individuals that use the products, lawmakers are concerned that salon employees could suffer negative effects from repeated exposure as well.

These findings have been supported by studies performed by the Environmental Protection Agency, which classifies formaldehyde as a chemical that likely causes cancer in humans. In response to the growing concerns regarding the formaldehyde found in chemical hair straighteners, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued a hazard alert in order to warn consumers about the dangers of formaldehyde exposure, but additional actions have not yet been taken.

Hair products are not the only products on the market that create the risk of toxic formaldehyde exposure. The toxic chemical has been found in nail polish as well as in some furniture made from fake wood. Although six other countries have recalled or banned hair-straightening products that contain formaldehyde, the FDA has not taken any action in the United States.

Source: Examiner.com, "Beauty buzz: Hair straightening products on the chopping block," Colette Bouchez, 5/16/2011