NEWS: New Warnings for Brazilian Blowouts
Last Updated (Wednesday, 01 February 2012 22:20)
California's Attorney General announced that the company behind the popular line of hair-straightening products Brazilian Blowout has agreed to alert consumers that two of their products emit formaldehyde gas, a possible carcinogen. Bottles of Brazilian Blowout will no longer be labeled as "formaldehyde-free".
The labeling changes are in part an attempt to settle a lawsuit the state filed in November against the company that makes Brazilian Blowout products.
The professional products are applied during salon treatments and temporarily smooth the hair shaft. While popularity has grown, so have health concerns for both hairdressers and their clients.
The attorney general's office accused North Hollywood-based GIB LLC of deceptive advertising because Brazilian Blowout Acai Smoothing Solution and Brazilian Blowout Professional Smoothing Solution were labeled as being free of formaldehyde, which can irritate the eyes, skin and lungs.
"California laws protect consumers and workers and give them fair notice about the health risks associated with the products they use," Attorney General Kamala Harris said in a statement. "This settlement requires the company to disclose any hazard so that Californians can make informed choices."
GIB LLC also agreed to pay $600,000 in penalties and fines for failing to notify consumers and hair stylists that its products contain chemicals that may cause cancer, and to have the products tested for all toxic substances at a state-approved lab. The company will also will be required to supply salons with a pamphlet outlining recommended safety precautions.
The company already has made the necessary labeling and marketing changes, and Brazilian Blowout products still will be available in California, GIB Chief Executive Officer Mike Brady said.
"We believe the settlement reached with Attorney General Harris represents a fair and equitable resolution," Brady said in a statement. "We are pleased to have this matter behind us and are confident these new practices will provide certified stylists who use our products each day and their loyal customers clarity and confidence."
Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration have been investigating the products keratin hair straighteners. Stay tuned for more changes!
Photos courtesy of Brazilian Blowout
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