OSHA Updates Hazard Alert on Formaldehyde Dangers
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued a revised hazard alert to hair salon owners and workers regarding potential exposure to formaldehyde when working with certain hair smoothing and straightening products.
OSHA conducted air tests during recent investigations and determined that formaldehyde was present at hazardous levels in salons using Brazilian Blowout Acai Professional Smoothing Solution and Brasil Cacau Cadiveu. As a result of these findings, OSHA issued citations for alleged violations including failure to list formaldehyde on product labels and material safety data sheets (MSDSs) provided to the products’ users.
In late August of this year, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning letter to the importer and distributor of Brazilian Blowout Acai Professional Smoothing Solution, stating that the product is adulterated and misbranded.
Although the solution contains methylene glycol, which can release formaldehyde during normal conditions of use, the product is labeled “formaldehyde free” or “no formaldehyde” and does not list formaldehyde on the MSDS.
“Misleading or inadequate information on hazardous products labels is unacceptable,” says OSHA Administrator Dr. David Michaels. “Salon owners and workers have the right to know the risks associated with the chemicals with which they work and how to protect themselves.”
Info to go: To read the revised OSHA hazard alert on hair smoothing and straightening products, click on the Info to Go safety links here
