• 09
  • February
    2012

A company that makes popular hair-straightening salon products has agreed to change its labeling to state that the product emits a cancer-causing gas.

The Brazilian Blowout treatments emit formaldehyde gas, a carcinogen, which can also irritate the eyes, skin and lungs. The company had use improper labeling, identifying the products as formaldehyde-free. And, until recently, the company's CEO had denied that the products contained formaldehyde, allowing consumers and hairstylists in Colorado and throughout the U.S. to be exposed to the product unaware of its health risks.

The company had been warned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration FDA as early as September that their products contained dangerous levels of the cancer-causing gas. According to reports, certain Brazilian Blowout products had between 8.7 and 10.4 percent formaldehyde--while levels as low as 0.1 percent require occupational hazard alert labeling, under U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines.

According to the FDA, a wide range of injuries have been reported in relation to use of the Brazilian Blowout products. They include: eye disorders, nervous system disorders, respiratory tract issues, nausea, chest pain, chest discomfort and rashes.

The FDA warned the company that if it did not take action, a seizure or injunction could follow. The state of California, where the company is based, followed the FDA's warning with a lawsuit alleging deceptive practices; and a class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of consumers in California last year.

The company has agreed to pay $600,000 in penalties and fines to settle California's lawsuit, as well as provide salons that use the product with a safety brochure. The labeling change is already in effect.

Those who have been injured by defective, poorly designed, or improperly labeled products are often able to receive financial compensation for their associated losses.

Source: Miami Herald, "Brazilian Blowout hair treatment ruled carcinogenic," John Platt, Feb. 6, 2012