The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is poised to propose a ban on formaldehyde in hair straighteners, a decision that comes years after initial warnings about its risks.
Ronnie Cohen reports for KFF Health News.
In short:
- The FDA's potential ban on formaldehyde in hair straighteners responds to long-standing concerns about its carcinogenic properties, especially in products marketed to Black women.
- Critics argue that the proposed ban, while important, is overdue and insufficient, as it doesn't address other harmful chemicals in hair products.
- Recent studies link hair straighteners to increased risks of hormone-related cancers, underscoring the need for broader regulatory action on cosmetic ingredients.
Key quote:
“The fact that formaldehyde is still allowed in hair care products is mind-blowing to me.”
— Linda Birnbaum, former director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Toxicology Program
Why this matters:
This issue is crucial for public health, particularly for Black women who are disproportionately affected by the harmful chemicals in hair products. The FDA's action, albeit delayed, represents a step towards addressing the broader issue of unregulated toxic substances in cosmetics, which has significant implications for health outcomes and environmental safety.
Racist beauty standards leave communities of color more exposed to harmful chemicals.
