A health hazard alert has been sent out to salons across the United States by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, regarding the risks that popular hair straightening products may have on salon employees and customers. This alert includes the popular Brazilian Blowout. The federal agency warned that formaldehyde, which is a common ingredient in numerous hair treatments, could lead to nose and lung issues while increasing the risk of cancer. The agency started out with a nationwide investigation of complaints by salon operators and employees of symptoms related to the use of chemical straightening procedures, that are typically referred to as keratin-based or Brazilian. This was after many state investigations and international actions to stop these products. The federal agency is a branch of the United States Department of Labor.
The largest investigation that has been published as of today is the Environmental Working Group's which looked into chemical hair straightening treatments and revealed many complaints related to hair loss, burning eyes, noses and throats, blisters, vomiting, and headaches in women who had been given or received a Brazilian style straightening treatment. The investigation discovered that numerous top salons across the country provide treatments without acknowledging the concerns about ...