Lawmakers Urge FDA to Ban Formaldehyde in Hair Products

Three U.S. House Democrats, Reps. Shontel Brown, Ayanna Pressley, and Nydia Velázquez, are pressing the FDA for explanations regarding the repeated delays in finalizing a proposed ban on formaldehyde in hair products, particularly those used by Black women. The FDA initially announced the proposal in 2023 with a target deadline of April, which has since been postponed twice, now aimed for September. The lawmakers expressed concern over the health risks associated with formaldehyde exposure, linking it to elevated cancer risks and adverse reproductive outcomes. They emphasized the disproportionate impact on women of color who frequently use these products and face societal pressures regarding their hairstyles. Pressley articulated the need for individuals to embrace their natural hair without discrimination, highlighting the urgency of the ban. The FDA has acknowledged the proposal's importance but has not provided a specific timeline or reasons for the delays.