FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  Connecticut Department of Public Health

November 9, 2010                                         Contact:  William Gerrish

                                                                                              (860) 509-7270

Hartford – The Connecticut Department of Public Health is cautioning Connecticut hair salon owners and workers about possible health effects associated with the use of hair straightening products marketed under the brand name Brazilian Blowout. 

Studies conducted in both the United States and Canada have reported the presence of unacceptable levels of formaldehyde being released into the air during the application of these products. 

“Reports of formaldehyde in these products are troubling, especially because some of them are marketed as ‘formaldehyde free,’” said Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. J. Robert Galvin.  “Our current recommendation to salon owners and workers is to discontinue the use of these products until they are reformulated and further research determines they are safe to use.”   

Formaldehyde is a respiratory and skin irritant and also has the potential to increase cancer risk in people exposed over long periods of time.  Some of the symptoms being reported in association with the use of these products include burning eyes, nose, and throat, breathing difficulties and/or heaviness in the chest, sore throats, and fatigue. 

The Department of Public Health advises that anyone experiencing health effects that they feel may be the result of the use of Brazilian Blowout products seek the help of a medical professional.

Salon operators, stylists, or consumers interested in learning more about Brazilian Blowout Solution and potential formaldehyde-related health effects should contact the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s Occupational Health Unit at (860) 509-7740 or visit the department’s website at www.ct.gov/dph/occupationalhealth.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health is the state’s leader in public health policy and advocacy with a mission to protect and promote the health and safety of the people of our state.  To contact the department, please visit its website at www.ct.gov/dph or call (860) 509-7270.

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