Citizen’s Petition to the FDA: Ban Formaldehyde from Hair Straighteners
Harmful exposures salon workers experience in the workplace as a result of toxic formaldehyde in hair straightening products is an issue that the FDA needs to address immediately.
Does pretty hurt? A look at the health risks of hair dyes
WHYY PBS NPR By Steph Yin …Salon workers are one population to look to understand more. They’re the people with the highest exposures, so they... Read More
Environmental Groups Sue FDA to Take Formaldehyde Out of Salons
Environmental Working Group Monica Amarelo August 7, 2017 “The Food and Drug Administration has failed to act on dangerous hair straighteners that contain unsafe levels... Read More
Environmental Groups Sue FDA to Take Formaldehyde Out of Salons
The Food and Drug Administration has failed to act on dangerous hair straighteners that contain unsafe levels of formaldehyde and pose a significant health hazard to consumers and salon workers, the Environmental Working Group and Women’s Voices for the Earth allege in a motion filed July 28 in federal district court. The motion is part of the groups' lawsuit against the FDA for its failure to act on a six-year-old petition requesting an investigation into popular hair smoothing treatments that are still sold in stores and salons. These straighteners – often known as keratin treatments or by the name of one prominent brand, Brazilian Blowout – contain formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen and potent allergen.
Why We’re Suing the FDA
The FDA has known for over 6 years that salon worker’s health is being harmed by the use of products containing formaldehyde. Enough is enough!
The Disturbing Reason the FDA is Being Sued Over Keratin Hair Treatments
Popsugar Emily Orofino December 18, 2016 “The known carcinogen is reportedly used in small amounts, which seems like an afterthought if you only undergo the... Read More
Is “Formaldehyde-Free” Really Formaldehyde-Free?
Many “formaldehyde-free” hair straighteners do not technically contain formaldehyde, but contain other chemicals that release formaldehyde under high heat, necessary in order for these straightening treatments to work.
Getting Toxic Chemicals Out of Black Women’s Hair Salons
The Atlantic Vicky Gan Nov. 13, 2015 Hair relaxers and other popular products can put employees’ health at risk. … “That’s partly because there’s precious... Read More
Why Is the FDA Poisoning the Beauty Industry?
Dame Magazine Betsy Farber October 6, 2015 Toxic hair products—including hair relaxers and the Brazilian blowout—have been making salon workers sick for years. With no... Read More
How job-related illnesses upended these families’ lives
In the news feature in Center for Public Integrity on the dangers of formaldehyde in Brazilian Blowout and other hair straighteners.
