Concerned about cancer, the FDA is considering banning hair relaxers that contain formaldehyde.The colorless, extremely poisonous chemical included in many hair straightening and smoothing products, also known as relaxers, would be outlawed under the new regulation that the federal government is proposing.
April 2024 is the planned date for the proposed ban.
A restriction on some hair straighteners has been proposed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States. The decision was made in response to growing worries regarding the safety of the chemicals used in these products, including formaldehyde, which is frequently utilized as an ingredient in straightening treatments.
To aid in creating long-lasting results, formaldehyde, which is well-known for its role in preserving biological specimens, is also utilized in hair straighteners. However, the FDA has acted due to the possible health hazards associated with it. The potential for lung issues, eye irritation, and skin disorders as a result of prolonged exposure to formaldehyde alarms health professionals and advocacy groups.
The FDA’s dedication to consumer safety is demonstrated by the prohibition, which comes after thorough assessments of the dangers connected to these well-liked cosmetics. Although the beauty industry has prospered by offering creative hair care solutions, our action emphasizes how crucial it is to make sure that these solutions do not jeopardize public health.
What are the risks of using hair straighteners?
Hair straighteners that contain formaldehyde or release formaldehyde gas during the straightening process have been associated with several health concerns and side effects. Some of the potential side effects include the following:
Respiratory Issues: Formaldehyde exposure can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. It may cause coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Prolonged exposure to formaldehyde fumes may contribute to the development of respiratory conditions.
Skin Irritation: Contact with formaldehyde can cause skin irritation, redness, and rash. Individuals with sensitive skin may be more susceptible to experiencing these effects.
Eye Irritation: Formaldehyde vapors can lead to eye irritation, causing redness, tearing, and discomfort. In extreme cases, prolonged exposure may result in more severe eye damage.
Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to formaldehyde, and exposure can trigger allergic reactions such as itching, hives, and swelling.
Headaches and Dizziness: Inhaling formaldehyde fumes may lead to headaches, dizziness, and nausea. These symptoms are often associated with exposure to high concentrations of the chemical.
Concerns about carcinogenicity: Several health organizations have identified formaldehyde as a human carcinogen. Prolonged and repeated exposure may increase the risk of certain cancers, particularly nasal and nasopharyngeal cancers.
This change will require both salons and customers to adjust, looking at alternative haircare techniques that put safety first without compromising style. The FDA’s move highlights the agency’s commitment to protecting consumers’ health by setting a precedent for tighter oversight and regulation in the cosmetics sector.
Helena Gibson is an expert in hair care, a certified trichologist and cosmetologist, and the creator of restorative hair products with clean, non-toxic, cruelty-free ingredients.
“I’m totally in favor of this potential FDA move, and frankly, it is very consistent with consumer sentiment. Our clients examine what is in a product, and they come in knowing they want non-toxic, sustainable, cruelty-free, irritant-free hair-care products. They also want efficacy and non-toxic products to work. That was the inspiration behind perfecting the formula for our Unveil Restorative Hair Care product line. We worked to get the right mixture of ingredients to make our products as clean as possible without sacrificing performance—it was a labor of love—and created non-toxic products with no known carcinogens and no known hormone disruptors. The cosmetics industry has been allowed to go without much oversite for far too long.” Her website is https://unveilhaircare.com/
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