On October 7, 2010, Health Canada issued a public advisory banning a popular hair product. Brazilian Blowout is a hair product used to straighten hair and although it was heavily marketed as being formaldehyde-free, it was found to contain 12% formaldehyde when tested by the public health agency. The allowable level of formaldehyde in cosmetics is only 0.2 percent.
Brazilian Blowout Hair Formula Banned by Health Canada
Health Canada has received many complaints that the product, Brazilian Blowout, was causing burning eyes, throat, nose and breathing difficulties. There was also a reported case of hair loss from a consumer who used the hair product.
Health Canada banned the product, Brazilian Blowout, after testing revealed the product contained unacceptable levels of formaldehyde.
Brazilian Blowout Hair Formula Contains Formaldehyde
In cosmetics, the allowable level of formaldehyde is 0.2 percent. When Health Canada tested Brazilian Blowout, it was discovered the formaldehyde level was 12 percent.
Formaldehyde is used in cosmetics as a preservative. It is an irritant and has been linked to causing cancer in humans. Health Canada suspects the reactions consumers had to Brazilian Blowout were a result of the formaldehyde being aerosolized in the blow dry and flat iron process of the hair treatment.
What Consumers Using Brazilian Blowout Hair Formula Should Do
Health Canada urges all consumers who have had any reaction to Brazilian Blowout to immediately seek medical attention. Symptoms of reaction from the formaldehyde include: burning eyes, throat and nose and breathing troubles. If you have had a reaction to the Brazilian Blowout hair product, you can file a complaint with Health Canada.
Stylists using the Brazilian Blowout hair product are ordered by Health Canada to immediately stop using and advertising the product.
What Health Canada is Doing About the Brazilian Blowout Hair Product
Health Canada is working to stop distribution of Brazilian Blowout in Canadian salons. Other products made by Brazilian Blowout are not part of this ban. The only product being banned is the Brazilian Blowout that is sold exclusively available in salons.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
References:
- Health Canada. "Brazilian Blowout Solution Contains Formaldehyde" (accessed October 9, 2010)
- CBC News. "Formaldehyde in popular hair smoothing solution" (accessed October 9, 2010)
- CTV News. " Brazilian Blowout contains formaldehyde: Health Canada " (accessed October 9, 2010)
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