FDA signals to propose a ban on Hair Relaxers with Formaldehyde.
One year after the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI) reported that the risk of developing uterine cancer could double for women who regularly use hair relaxers, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) signaled that it will announce a proposal to consider banning the use of formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in hair relaxers sold in the United States. Once the proposal is formally announced in April, the FDA will decide if further action is necessary and whether it should proceed with the ban.
WHAT IS THE CHEMICAL FORMALDEHYDE,
AND WHAT DOES IT DO?
Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas with a pungent odor used in glues, resins, building materials, disinfectants, paints, foam insulation, and for many other purposes. It is regularly produced industrially, but it can form naturally in the environment as well. Trace amounts of formaldehyde can even be found in some foods and in the human body as it burns calories during its metabolic processes.
Personal care and cosmetic manufacturers often also use formaldehyde in their formulas to keep their products shelf-stable and free from bacteria contamination.
WHY DOES THE FDA WANT TO BAN FORMALDEHYDE IN HAIR RELAXERS?
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) determined in 2004 that there was “significant evidence” proving that formaldehyde caused nasal cancer in humans. Furthermore, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified formaldehyde as a “probable human carcinogen” for its connection to lung cancer in 1987. Evidence suggests that long-term exposure may also be connected to leukemia.
“Use of hair smoothing products containing [formaldehyde] and [formaldehyde-releasing] chemicals is linked to short-term adverse health effects, such as sensitization reactions and breathing problems, and long-term adverse health effects, including an increased risk of certain cancers.” — The U.S. Food AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
A significant number of hair relaxer formulas either contain formaldehyde itself, or they contain chemicals that release formaldehyde as a gas when the hair relaxer is applied to the scalp. Even though formaldehyde is a known carcinogen based on multiple governmental classifications, many hair relaxer brands still use the chemical in their formulas because it allows them to sell more units of product.
Following in the footsteps of the FDA’s planned proposal, California and Maryland have already promised to ban formaldehyde from all personal care products starting in 2025. If the FDA proceeds with the ban on hair relaxers with formaldehyde, then other states may also join this effort in the future.
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