A major health alert has been issued for popular hair straightening and smoothing treatments, after a US government study found they contain dangerously high levels of formaldehyde—a chemical strongly linked to cancer.
The research, conducted by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), tested a range of cosmetic products and discovered that many released the toxic chemical at levels far exceeding safe limits.
What Did The Study Find?
Scientists analysed numerous hair smoothing products, often marketed as 'keratin treatments'. Their findings were alarming:
- Many products released formaldehyde gas when heated with styling tools like straighteners.
- Levels detected often surpassed the US occupational safety limit of 0.1 parts per million.
- Some products contained methylene glycol, which can convert to formaldehyde when heated.
Why Is Formaldehyde So Dangerous?
Formaldehyde is classified as a human carcinogen. Prolonged exposure has been conclusively linked to an increased risk of:
- Nasopharyngeal cancer
- Leukaemia
- Other cancers of the head and neck
Hair salon professionals are particularly at risk due to repeated, daily exposure in poorly ventilated spaces. However, clients undergoing these treatments are also exposed to significant levels during the application process.
A Known But Hidden Danger
Perhaps most concerning is that many of these products do not list 'formaldehyde' on their labels. Instead, they use chemical aliases like:
- Methylene glycol
- Formalin
- Methanediol
This practice makes it incredibly difficult for both stylists and consumers to identify the hazardous products, leaving them unaware of the severe health risks they are facing.
Protecting Yourself: What You Need To Know
If you are considering a hair straightening treatment, or work in a salon, experts advise:
- Ask direct questions about formaldehyde content before any treatment.
- Check the ingredient list for formaldehyde and its known aliases.
- Ensure excellent ventilation in the salon during and after the process.
- Consider safer alternatives that do not require the use of harsh chemicals.
This study serves as a critical reminder of the need for stricter regulation and clearer labelling in the beauty industry to protect public health.
