FDA Proposes Banning Hair Straighteners Containing Cancer-Causing Chemicals

The FDA plans to ban hair straighteners containing formaldehyde and other chemicals linked to cancer and health issues.
These products, disproportionately used by Black women, increase risks of breathing issues, allergic reactions, and cancers like uterine cancer.
Lawmakers Ayanna Pressley and Shontel Brown urged the FDA to investigate the products' safety due to systemic racism and anti-Black hair sentiment.
While awaiting public comment, the FDA currently advises avoiding products with formaldehyde, formalin, or methylene glycol.
Research shows hair straighteners can produce formaldehyde when heated, even without it listed on labels.