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FDA Proposes New Rule to Ban the Use of Formaldehyde in Hair Smoothing Products

Formaldehyde Testing Services

Category	Press Release
Publish Date	12/8/2023
Author	Paul Cochrane
Title	FDA Proposes New Rule to Ban the Use of Formaldehyde in Hair Smoothing Products
Introduction	EMSL Analytical provides formaldehyde and other chemical testing services from consumer products, building materials and indoor environments.
Cinnaminson, New Jersey, December 8, 2023 The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recently proposed a new rule to ban formaldehyde and other formaldehyde-releasing chemicals, such as methylene glycol, as ingredients in hair smoothing or hair straightening products marketed in the United States. According to the filing: These chemicals are used in certain cosmetic products that are applied to human hair as part of a combination of chemical and heating tool treatment intended to smooth or straighten the hair. Use of hair smoothing products containing formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing chemicals is linked to short-term adverse health effects, such as sensitization reactions and breathing problems, and long-term adverse health effects, including an increased risk of certain cancers. Back in 2021, the FDA released a Cosmetics Facts bulletin warning that some hair smoothing or straightening products contain or release formaldehyde, which can be harmful. Before that was released, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a Hazard Alert about hair smoothing products that release formaldehyde into the air. This was the result of OSHA and several state OSHA programs investigating questions and complaints from hair salon owners and workers about possible formaldehyde exposure from some of the products they use. “Products that contain formaldehyde and are used indoors could be a serious exposure concern, especially for workers and building occupants that are exposed repeatedly,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At EMSL Analytical, our consumer product, material, industrial hygiene and environmental testing professionals offer analytical services to detect formaldehyde and exposure risks to many other chemical hazards.” EMSL even sponsored an educational video about hair salons and formaldehyde exposure concerns several years ago that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/aFCraXk3AiM To learn more about formaldehyde or other material, indoor air quality, occupational or environmental testing resources, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. About EMSL Analytical, Inc. EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.