The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering a ban on formaldehyde in chemical hair straighteners, citing its link to various health risks, including cancer. Currently, the FDA advises against the use of products containing formaldehyde due to potential adverse effects.
Formaldehyde, when released into the air during the heating process of hair straightening, can cause immediate irritations and long-term health issues such as headaches, asthma, and possibly cancer, according to the FDA. The agency’s proposal aims to prohibit formaldehyde and related ingredients in hair smoothing or straightening products across the United States.
The FDA may seek public input on the proposed ban, which will influence the decision-making process. This initiative comes amid a surge in lawsuits against hair straightener manufacturers, alleging they failed to warn consumers about the health risks associated with their products.
In Illinois multidistrict litigation alone, over 2,200 lawsuits are pending, with uterine and breast cancers being the most commonly linked to hair straighteners. Concerns about racial disparities have also been raised, as chemical hair straighteners are predominantly marketed to Black women.
Recent studies highlighting the increased cancer risk among users, particularly in the Black community, have prompted lawmakers to urge the FDA to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter. Representatives Ayanna Pressley and Shontel Brown emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in addressing the potential health hazards posed by chemical hair straighteners.
