FDA plans to prohibit formaldehyde in hair products.
The FDA Proposes Ban on Formaldehyde in Hair Relaxers
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is taking a stand against the use of formaldehyde in hair relaxers, aiming to protect consumers from its harmful effects. Formaldehyde has been linked to various forms of cancer and long-term health complications.
The proposed rule, expected to be implemented by April 2024, specifically targets hair straightening and smoothing products that are commonly marketed towards black women.
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- Data from the National Institutes of Health reveals that long-term exposure to formaldehyde increases the risk of hormone-related cancers in women, including breast, uterine, and ovarian cancers.
- The FDA’s action not only focuses on formaldehyde itself but also on chemicals that release formaldehyde when heated, such as methylene glycol.
- A study conducted by Harvard public health professor Tamarra James-Todd in 2020 found that approximately 50% of haircare products marketed towards black women contain chemicals known to disrupt the endocrine system, compared to only 7% in products targeted towards white women.
As a result, numerous women who have experienced reproductive health issues, ranging from cancer to uterine fibroids, are taking legal action against hair straightening product manufacturers, holding them responsible for their conditions.
Janita ‘Gigi’ Hayes, 41, shared her heartbreaking story with USA Today, expressing her shock at the impact of long-term use of these products. She underwent a hysterectomy due to severe uterine fibroids, resulting in the loss of her reproductive organs and a significant blow to her confidence as a woman.
According to the NIH, up to 25% of reproductive-age women have fibroids, and by the age of 50, approximately 80% of black women and 70% of white women will have experienced them.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that breast cancer claims the lives of 42,000 women annually, while the American Cancer Society predicts that over 13,000 women will lose their lives each year to ovarian and uterine cancers combined.
For more information, click here to read the full article from The Washington Examiner.
What are the potential health risks associated with products that contain formaldehyde or release it when heated, such as hair relaxers and keratin treatments?
Roducts that contain formaldehyde or release it when heated. This includes popular hair relaxers such as Brazilian blowouts and keratin treatments.
Formaldehyde, a colorless gas with a strong smell, has been used in hair relaxers for its ability to harden and preserve the product. However, its presence poses a significant risk to the health of both consumers and salon workers who are frequently exposed⁗ to it. Excessive exposure to formaldehyde can lead to eye irritation, respiratory problems, and even cancer.
According to the FDA, several scientific studies have conclusively linked formaldehyde to an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia. The World Health Organization has classified formaldehyde as a known human carcinogen, further highlighting the need to eliminate its use in hair relaxers.
While the FDA has previously issued warnings and regulations to reduce formaldehyde levels in these products, such as requiring warning labels and setting a limit on formaldehyde content, the proposed ban is a significant step forward in ensuring the safety of consumers. The ban would completely prohibit the use of formaldehyde or any ingredients that release formaldehyde when hair relaxers are heated or applied.
The FDA has invited public comments and input from stakeholders on this proposed rule, emphasizing the importance of hearing diverse perspectives and gathering additional⁗ scientific evidence. Various organizations and consumer groups have voiced their support for the ban, citing the need to prioritize health and safety.
In recent years, the demand for hair relaxers and straightening treatments has increased significantly, with many consumers seeking smooth and straight hair. However, the potential risks associated with formaldehyde make it imperative to find safer alternatives. Fortunately, there are already formaldehyde-free alternatives available on the market that can provide similar results without jeopardizing health.
The proposed ban on formaldehyde in hair relaxers aligns with the FDA’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of consumers. By eliminating the use of this harmful chemical, the agency hopes to significantly reduce the risks associated with hair straightening treatments and protect the health of those who use them.
In conclusion, the FDA’s proposal to ban formaldehyde in hair relaxers is a crucial step towards prioritizing consumer safety. By addressing the known risks associated with formaldehyde exposure, the FDA is sending a clear message that the health and well-being of consumers must come first. This ban emphasizes the need for safer alternatives in the beauty industry and encourages manufacturers to develop products that do not pose potential harm. With the proposed rule expected to be implemented in the near future, consumers can look forward to a safer and healthier experience when using hair relaxers.
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