Velázquez, Pressley, and Brown Seek Information from FDA on Delay of Ban of Formaldehyde in Hair Products

Washington D.C.—Yesterday, Reps. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), and Shontel Brown (D-OH) sent a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requesting an update on delays in implementation of a rule to ban formaldehyde and other formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in hair products. The FDA’s proposed ban, which follows a March 2023 letter from Reps. Pressley and Brown calling for an investigation into the health risks posed by chemical hair straighteners, has been delayed twice since April 2024.
 
“Extended exposure to formaldehyde during these treatments has been linked to increased incidences of cancer, respiratory issues, and adverse reproductive outcomes,” wrote the lawmakers. “Of particular concern is the disproportionate impact on women of color, who are more likely to use these products and thus face heightened health risks.”
 
Despite being a known carcinogen, formaldehyde is widely used in hair relaxers and other chemical hair straighteners. Formaldehyde exposure is linked to serious health conditions, including myeloid leukemia, breast cancer, uterine cancer, and ovarian cancer. Research has found that those who used straighteners at least every five to eight weeks had a 31 percent higher breast cancer risk, compared with 18 percent for less frequent use.
 
These chemicals pose a disproportionate risk to Black women and other women of color. Research suggests that about 50% of products advertised to Black women contain these types of chemicals, compared with about 7% that are advertised to White women.  

In the letter, the lawmakers ask the FDA for information about the reasons for the delay and the timeline for finalization of the ban. 
 
“As the FDA works to address these pressing issues, it is essential to continue to highlight the gravity of formaldehyde exposure, as highlighted by both epidemiological data and laboratory research,” continued the lawmakers. “Ensuring that regulatory actions align with the best interests of public health, remains the goal and we look forward to your prompt response.”
 
Specifically, the lawmakers asked FDA to answer the following questions:

• What factors have contributed to the two-time delay in the implementation of the ban and are there clear timelines or milestones moving forward that stakeholders can anticipate leading up to and after the ban proposal is released?
• Does the FDA share any concerns about how a delay in their rulemaking is potentially prolonging the dangerous health effects of the use of formaldehyde in communities of color?
• What steps has the agency taken to do outreach among stakeholders to proactively mitigate any disruptions to businesses and ensure they will be prepared when a ban is officially implemented?

For a full copy of the letter, click here.

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