FDA Proposes Formaldehyde Ban

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken a significant step by proposing a ban on the use of formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in hair smoothing and straightening products. Formaldehyde is a common ingredient in many cosmetic and medical products, but it is known to be highly toxic and has been linked to various cancers, including uterine cancer.

Studies have indicated that women who regularly use chemical hair straighteners containing formaldehyde may be at a heightened risk of uterine cancer. A ‘sister study’ tracked women’s usage of hair products over the course of a decade, including hair dyes, straighteners, relaxers, and perms. The results revealed that women who reported using hair straightening products had an almost twofold increased risk of developing uterine cancer compared to those who did not use such products.

Particularly concerning is that Black women tend to use these hair straightening products more frequently and at earlier ages compared to other racial and ethnic groups. This places them at a higher risk for uterine cancer. While women who never use hair straighteners have an estimated 1.64% risk of developing uterine cancer by the age of 70, frequent users face a much higher risk at 4.05%.

Dr. Sunny Jain, HOD and Senior Consultant Oncologist at Marengo Asia Hospitals in Faridabad, emphasizes the importance of choosing beauty products carefully and conducting thorough research before use.

Uterine cancer, also known as endometrial cancer, originates in the uterus, the organ responsible for fetal development during pregnancy. Risk factors for uterine cancer include obesity, late menopause, certain disorders such as PCOS, and environmental factors like exposure to chemicals like formaldehyde.

Dr. Rashmi Rekha Bora, Senior Consultant in the Department of Gynae-Oncology at Fortis Memorial Research Institute in Gurugram, notes that the incidence of uterine cancer is increasing in India due to changing lifestyles, including obesity and a lack of physical activity, among other factors. In addition to these risk factors, environmental factors like exposure to hair straightening products containing formaldehyde may play a role in causing uterine cancer.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The Hindustan Times