Health Canada warns of formaldehyde in hair straighteners
March 2011
Health Canada has expanded its list of hair-straightening products
that Canadians should not use, after they were found to contain
excessive levels of formaldehyde.
The professional-grade products are available in hair salons, but
are typically not available for sale to the public. Health Canada
said it has received complaints of burning eyes, nose and throat,
breathing difficulties and hair loss associated with use of
professional hair-smoothing products.
The health agency has advised stylists to stop using the products
and is working with distributors to stop the sale of the solutions.
Health Canada has previously warned against using a range of hair
straighteners. The updated list of products identified during Health
Canada's testing includes: Keratin Complex Express Blowout;
Brazilian Keratin Treatment (Mint); Veloce by La Brasiliana; Zero
(Apple) by La Brasiliana; and Moroccan Hair Treatment by Inoar.
The highest formaldehyde content in the tested products was 2.84 per
cent, while the lowest was 0.35 per cent. Cosmetics in Canada are
permitted to contain up to 0.2 per cent formaldehyde for use as a
preservative.
The agency also advised against the use of products after data
showed they contained high levels of formaldehyde. These products,
which have not been tested by Health Canada, are: Original by La
Brasiliana; Domani by La Brasiliana; Spruzzi by La Brasiliana;
Brazilian Keratin Treatment by Pro Skin Solutions; Marcia Teixeira
Chocolate Extreme De-Frizzing Treatment EU by M&M International; and
Marcia Teixeira Brazilian Keratin Treatment EU by M&M International.
In 2010, Health Canada released a list of 11 other hair-smoothing
products that it said should not be used.
Formaldehyde has been linked to cancer when inhaled over a long
period of time.
Source
.gif)
