Brown Joins Velázquez and Pressley Seeking Information from FDA on Delay of Ban of Formaldehyde in Hair Products

Washington D.C.—Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) joined Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07) and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) in 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. 

“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 cancers such as breast, uterine, 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 October 2023, the FDA proposed the ban of formaldehyde in hair products following a letter led by Reps. Brown and Pressley called on the agency to investigate the health risks associated with the chemical. Unfortunately, since April 2024, there has been no further movement or next steps regarding the implementation of the ban.

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.”

For a full copy of the letter, click here.

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