Brazilian Blowouts Could Be Deadly, Says FDA
Many women get sleek, straight hair with Brazilian Blowouts – but according to the FDA, they’re also getting a deadly dose of formaldehyde. Time Magazine reports that five months after OSHA issued a hazard alert about Brazilian Blowouts and similar products, the FDA has sent a warning letter to the makers of Brazilian Blowout, confirming that the product is “adulterated” with the liquid form of formaldehyde. Formaldehyde helps bind Keratin to hair making it straighter – but is also a known carcinogen.
The FDA went on to say that the Brazilian Blowout is “misbranded” because labels often spuriously claim that these products contain “No Formaldehyde” or are “Formaldehyde Free.” The company (click here for the official website) has until mid-September to address the letter, or the product could be banned.
Testing found that Brazilian Blowout products contained 8.7% to 10.4% formaldehyde – about the same as embalming fluid at a funeral home – when cosmetics are only supposed to contain up to 0.2%. However, Brazilian Blowout CEO Mike Brady denied these claims, saying that “We have been tested countless times by OSHA and we have never exceeded a safety standard ever.” A statement on the product’s website added: “In our continued effort to clear up misinformation about the Brazilian Blowout, we are delighted to be working with the FDA in demonstrating that the Brazilian Blowout complies with both state and federal guidelines.”
Still, the FDA claims that customers and salon workers have experienced eye and throat irritation, headache, dizziness, burning sensations, breathing problems, nosebleeds, chest pain, vomiting and rash as a result of the Formaldehyde. Attorney Tor Hoerman suggests that customers haven’t come forward with public complaints because people with these symptoms are often misdiagnosed. A Huffington Post article does quote a salon worker who filed a lawsuit after needing to use an inhaler.
Any readers want to share their BB experiences?
In the meantime, you may want to check out some all natural hair straightening products, like this one.
