Hairdressers nationwide are being warned about a dangerous product being used in the workplace, a hair straightener called Brazilian Blowout. The Oregon Health & Science University’s Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology (CROET) issued a warning September 30 after a chemical analysis was done on the product. The Brazilian Blowout contains a high percentage of formaldehyde, even though one bottle was labeled “formaldehyde-free.” The bottles contained up to 10.6% formaldehyde which violates the federal government’s standard for a safe workplace.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that if a workplace has more than 0.1% formaldehyde, the manufacturer must list it and include safe work practice suggestions in its product label. Additionally, employees are supposed to be educated about exposing themselves to a toxic hazard. An advisory group to government recommends that employees’ exposure be limited to no more than 0.3 parts per million.
Formaldehyde Exposure at Work
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to formaldehyde can cause upper respiratory tract irritation, a cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Some individuals are highly allergic to formaldehyde. The federal government says formaldehyde is a likely carcinogen, which is linked to leukemia and nasopharyngeal cancer. The chemical is more commonly known to expose workers in the building industry, those who work in mortuaries, and among glues and permanent-press fabrics.
Brazilian Blowout posted an official statement in response to the discovery stating it found a trace amount of the chemical.
Workers’ compensation laws are in place to help protect workers on-the-job. If you have been injured on the job, it may be important to contact an experienced Florida workers’ compensation attorney who can help protect your legal rights. Remember, there may be a limited time within which to begin your action for compensation.
