The federal agency that oversees worker safety has issued a revised alert about the hazard to hair salon owners and workers using hair smoothing products that contain formaldehyde. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigated the products called Brazilian Blowout Acai Professional Smoothing Solution and Brasil Cacau Cadiveu and issued an alert based on the results of the investigation. The air quality at salons tested showed that workers were exposed to unacceptably high levels of formaldehyde. OSHA also cited two manufacturers and distributors of these products for failing to list formaldehyde on the product label as well as product insert.
On August 22, the FDA sent a warning letter to the importer and distributor of the products calling them adulterated and misbranded.
Methylene glycol releases formaldehyde during normal use even though the product is labeled “formaldehyde free” or “no formaldehyde”. Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen, according to the US National Toxicology Program and is a colorless gas that’s a precursor to polymers. It can irritate the eyes and nose of users and cause allergic reactions.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers must provide a safe workplace for their employees.
Under state law, employers must also provide workers’ compensation to provide for insurance coverage if a worker is injured while in the scope of employment or in the workplace. If your employer has failed to make your workplace safe and you are injured, an advocate can serve as the go-between representing you to your employer’s insurance company to help you obtain what you deserve. Farah & Farah Jacksonville injury attorneys can help with one call to 1-800-533-3555.
Source: http://osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=20724
