U. S. FDA delays formaldehyde ban in hair products yet again

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has delayed its proposal to ban formaldehyde in hair straighteners, with no clear timeline for implementation. Initially aimed at protecting users from toxic exposure, the ban on formaldehyde in hair relaxers has been postponed multiple times and may now be delayed until 2025.

Formaldehyde exposure from hair products poses severe health risks, including hormone-related cancers, with Black women being particularly vulnerable. Despite some products claiming to be "formaldehyde-free" or "organic," over 150 hair-straightening products contain this harmful chemical.

This issue falls under relatively new legislation, which has yet to be fully enforced. The continued delays in banning formaldehyde in hair products leave users, especially Black women, at significant risk for serious health issues, including cancer. This situation highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations and timely action to protect consumers.