Hair Straightening Product Causes Illness

Posted on September 8, 2011

The Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning to a hair straightening product manufacturer who claims its product is formaldehyde-free, after FDA tests showed high levels of the known carcinogen, according to news sources.

The product, Brazilian Blowout, is a smoothing liquid that is distributed by a North Hollywood, California firm. The treatment in question takes about two hours and costs $250. When the FDA tested the product, methylene glycol was found, which releases formaldehyde when heated, as hair often is when styling. The review conducted found levels from 8.7 to 10.4 percent. An occupational hazard alert is required by regulation on products that contain higher than .1 percent.

Individuals who have been exposed to the carcinogen have symptoms such as eye irritation, blurred vision, headaches, fainting, wheezing and chest pain.

An official of the Brazilian Blowout product has stated that their product has always complied with the guidelines and attributes FDA’s findings to a “misunderstanding.” The company has until September 12 to respond.

As a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, I hope that the FDA can come to a conclusion as soon as possible that will protect consumers. I know that even with all of the regulations imposed upon products, errors will be made, and unfortunately, sometimes companies put profit before the health of their consumers. If you or someone you care about has been injured by a cosmetic product, please do not hesitate to call a product liability lawyer right away.  The longer you wait the more chance you have of losing evidence for your potential product liability case.

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