The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to propose a ban on formaldehyde and other substances found in chemical hair straightening products. According to department experts, some ingredients can cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems and cancer. This was reported by Health News.
Women with curly hair sometimes resort to salon treatments known as keratin straightening or keratin treatments to achieve the desired look and make styling easier. To do this, special compounds are applied to the hair, and then the strands are heated with an iron to ensure penetration of the ingredients.
Many straightening products contain formaldehyde. When heated, it turns into a pungent, toxic, colorless gas.
Studies on the health effects of formaldehyde have shown that women who frequently straighten their hair in this way are twice as likely to develop uterine cancer. The substance is also believed to cause infertility.
Additionally, inhaling formaldehyde vapor can damage the respiratory system and cause allergic reactions. Symptoms may include cough, asthma, runny nose, sneezing, conjunctivitis, nausea.
It is also stated that women with tight curls (including dark-skinned women) are at greater risk, as the procedure must be repeated more often due to the structure of the hair.
Previously Appearedthat household chemicals cause developmental delays in adolescents.