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FDA Hair Relaxer Ban Stalled Yet Again

An Increasing Number of Studies Have Linked Formaldehyde to Cancers that are Prevalent Among Black Women

A proposed federal ban on formaldehyde in chemical hair straightening products is now uncertain after a recent executive order signed by former President Donald Trump paused all federal regulations. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had planned to determine by April 2024 whether to prohibit formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing ingredients in these products.

Formaldehyde’s Link to Cancer

Formaldehyde has been linked to various cancers, including those disproportionately affecting women. Many chemical hair relaxers, while not directly containing formaldehyde, include ingredients that release the substance when heated. Studies over the years have highlighted these risks, prompting calls for stricter regulations.

Shifting Timelines for FDA Action

The FDA initially targeted April 2024 as the decision date for the proposed ban, according to the Unified Agenda, a government resource outlining regulatory plans. However, the timeline shifted to July 2024 and then to September 2024. The agency emphasized that these dates are estimates, not deadlines. The FDA has not commented on how the executive order will impact the timeline.

Regulatory Gaps in Cosmetic Products

Under current U.S. law, the FDA is not required to approve cosmetic products or ingredients—apart from food additives—before they are sold. Advocacy groups, like the Environmental Working Group, have long pushed for stronger regulations, with formal petitions to ban formaldehyde in hair products dating back to 2008. According to Melanie Benesh, the group’s vice president of government affairs, the FDA had been poised to act on this issue in 2016 but lost momentum when Trump took office in 2017.

State-Level Action and Future Prospects

States like Maryland, California, and Washington have already banned formaldehyde in hair products, and advocates suggest others could follow if federal action remains stalled. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s nominee for the Department of Health and Human Services, has expressed some interest in the issue, potentially signaling future developments.

Mounting Health Concerns and Legal Action

Extensive research has demonstrated the harmful effects of chemical hair straighteners. A study involving over 30,000 women aged 35 to 74 found higher rates of uterine cancer among those who used relaxers more than twice a year for five or more years. Thousands of women have joined a federal class-action lawsuit against chemical hair relaxer manufacturers, citing connections to uterine cancer, breast cancer, and other health problems. A federal judge has set deadlines later this year to advance the case.

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