As discussed in the previous post, the state of California recently settled a lawsuit with the California-based maker of the salon product, Brazilian Blowout. The product straightens hair and eliminates frizz, but it also contains unacceptable levels of the known cancer-causing chemical, formaldehyde. The formaldehyde is released into the air and breathed when the product is heated.

California sued the company because the products had been labeled as formaldehyde free. The FDA had written letters to the company telling them to properly label their products, but they were not able to go so far as to pull products off shelves and it is still being used in salons. Many people are pushing for the FDA to similarly ban beauty products containing formaldehyde.

Salon workers where this product has been used and is continued to be used are potentially working on a dangerous premises. It is similar to the negative health effects restaurant and bar workers faced before smoking was banned in the state.

A recent article in Forbes asks the question of whether California and the federal government should do even more to protect consumers from dangerous products. The FDA told the company that it was up to them to properly label the products, but what if they do not? They will face fines, but maybe it will be too late for some.

Source: Forbes, "Brazilian Blowout Legally Labeled Carcinogenic ... Will It Matter?" Amy Westervelt, Jan. 30, 2012