FDA May Ban Formaldehyde in Hair Straightening Products Over Uterine Cancer Risks
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering a potential ban on the use of formaldehyde in hair straightening and smoothing treatments due to growing concerns about its health risks.
According to the Unified Agenda, a federal register that discloses upcoming administrative agency activities, the FDA is currently examining the proposal. However, no specific date has been set for the formal consideration of the ban or its potential enforcement.
Studies have shown that hair straighteners containing formaldehyde may increase the risk of uterine cancer in women. Previous research found that women who used these products had twice the risk of developing uterine cancer. While a causal relationship has not been definitively established, experts have emphasized the potential link.
The CDC highlights that the risk of uterine cancer in women, particularly during and after menopause, tends to increase with age. This information supports the need for further investigation into the potential dangers of formaldehyde in hair straightening products.
The Black Women’s Health Study conducted by Boston University revealed that postmenopausal black women who used chemical hair straighteners for an extended period of time faced a higher risk of uterine cancer. Launched in 1995, the study involved 59,000 black women and aimed to raise awareness about the risks associated with these products while identifying safer alternatives.
Kimberly Bertrand, the principal author of the study, highlighted the lack of adequate regulation for endocrine disruptors present in many of these products, which can enter the body through the scalp. These disruptors have been linked to early puberty, fibroid tumors, infertility, and other health concerns. Bertrand emphasized that consumers are often unaware of these ingredients as they are labeled as “fragrance” or “preservative.”
Furthermore, additional research published in the American Journal of Epidemiology suggested a potential reduction in fertility among hair straightener users. The US National Institutes of Health also reported that women who used hair-straightening chemicals more than four times in the previous year had twice the risk of uterine cancer.
Recent lawsuits against Revlon and L’Oréal allege that their hair straightening products have caused uterine and breast cancer, infertility, and other health issues among black women.
Formaldehyde, a colorless and flammable gas, is found in various household products, including pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. The FDA’s proposed ban is a response to the increasing public concern regarding the potential health risks associated with these products. Representatives Ayanna Pressley and Shontel Brown sent an open letter to federal authorities in March, urging them to investigate the presence of carcinogens in chemical hair straighteners, which may contribute to higher uterine cancer risks. They pointed out that black women often use these treatments due to societal pressure and anti-Black hair sentiment.
It is important to note that the information presented in this article is subject to change as the FDA’s proposal undergoes further examination and evaluation.
Read Also: COVID-19 Medication Paxlovid’s Price Expected to Rise in 2024
ⓒ 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
I have over 10 years of experience in the cryptocurrency industry and I have been on the list of the top authors on LinkedIn for the past 5 years. I have a wealth of knowledge to share with my readers, and my goal is to help them navigate the ever-changing world of cryptocurrencies.
