Hair styles to die for - warning

Formaldehyde in hair styling product creates advisory alert

On October 7 2010 Health Canada has posted an alert that Brazilian Blowout Solution manufactured by Brazilian Blowout of California has been found to contain unacceptable levels of formaldehyde. The Brazilian Blowout is a hair smoothing treatment known to be available at salons across Canada.

This advisory is only for the Brazilian Blowout Solution at this time, since it is known to contain formaldehyde. Other similar "Brazilian" smoothing treatment products, made by Brazilian Blowout are not known to be affected. The affected product is only available in salons.

What is the danger?

Testing conducted by Health Canada found that the Brazilian Blowout Solution contains 12% formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is permitted in cosmetics at less than 0.2% when used as a preservative.

Formaldehyde is a known irritant, sensitizer, and is linked to cancer in humans when inhaled chronically over a long period of time.

Health Canada believes that the reactions are being caused by formaldehyde becoming aerosolized during the blow drying and flat ironing stages of the treatment. Any procedure containing formaldehyde above the allowable limits places both clients and stylists at increased risk.

Health Canada has received numerous complaints of burning eyes, nose, and throat, breathing difficulties, and one report of hair loss associated with use of the product.

Who is affected and what should I do?

If you get hair smoothing treatments then check for the stylist using Brazilian Blowout. Not only you, the customer but also the stylist performing the treatment may experience reactions of burning eyes, nose, throat, and breathing troubles.

If you have had an adverse reaction to Brazilian Blowout treatments then you should seek medical attention. There is no cause for concern for consumers who have used this product and not experienced any reactions.

If you are a hair stylist who uses Brazilian Blowout treatments then immediately stop using the affected product.

Adverse reactions to cosmetics can be reported to Health Canada using a form available on Health Canada's website.

be assured that Health Canada is working with the exclusive Canadian distributor to address concerns regarding Brazilian Blowout Solution and to stop distribution of this product to salons in Canada. Health Canada is also informing consumers of the risk associated with this product.

If you want more information you can contact Consumer Product Safety toll free at 1-866-662-0666.

Updated information October 26, 2010 provided by Health Canada

"Health Canada is informing Canadians that Brazilian Blowout Solution manufactured by Brazilian Blowout of California has been confirmed to contain unacceptable levels of formaldehyde. Note that at this time, this advisory pertains only to the Brazilian Blowout Solution.

Health Canada has continued to analyze this product. Validated test results show formaldehyde levels of 8.4%, which is consistent with results found in other jurisdictions. This amount is 42 times the acceptable limit when used as a preservative in certain cosmetic products, and remains well above the amount known to cause injury.

Health Canada continues to receive complaints of burning eyes, nose, and throat, breathing difficulties, and hair loss associated with use of this product. Health Canada believes that the reactions are being caused primarily by formaldehyde being released and inhaled during the blow drying and flat ironing stages of the treatment.

Health Canada remains concerned that elevated levels of formaldehyde in any form places people at increased risk. Possible long-term effects are also of concern to Health Canada, since formaldehyde is a known irritant, sensitizer, and is linked to cancer in humans when inhaled chronically over a long period of time. As a result, the Department has worked to stop distribution of this product in Canada.

Health Canada is continuing its investigation by following up on complaints and continuing to monitor the marketplace. In addition, Health Canada is testing similar products for which complaints have been received. If Health Canada identifies any other products of concerns, the appropriate information will be communicated to the public."

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