Congresswomen urge FDA to explain delay in banning hair-straightening chemicals

Democratic Reps. Ayanna Pressley, Shontel Brown, and Nydia Velazquez are questioning why the FDA has delayed proposing a ban on hair straightening products containing formaldehyde, which has been linked to cancer. The initial target date for the proposal was in April but has been pushed back to September. The lawmakers are concerned about the impact on communities of color, particularly Black women who use these products due to hair discrimination. Formaldehyde is commonly found in chemical hair straighteners and has been linked to increased cancer risks, with studies showing a higher risk of uterine cancer among women who use these products. Some lawsuits allege that beauty companies misled consumers about the health risks associated with hair straighteners. The FDA has said that the proposed ban is still a top priority but has not provided a timeline for its release. The agency has also indicated that it plans to work with the cosmetics industry to develop safer alternatives. Black women and women of other ethnicities have been using chemical hair straightening treatments for decades, exposing them to potential health risks. Pressley, Brown, and Velazquez are urging the FDA to provide specific reasons for the delays in implementing the proposed ban to protect public health and safety.

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