A popular hair treatment called Brazilian Blowout used by celebrities was found to contain formaldehyde. The hair treatment will smooth out frizzy hair and leaves it sleek for weeks. Stars like Nicole Richie and Lindsay Lohan have long admired the keratin complex hair straightening treatment but OSHA found dangerously high levels of formaldehyde in the product. Manufacturers claim that less than.1 percent of formaldehyde is present in the hair treatment but according to the Oregon OSHA office there is up to 8 percent. Stylists who used the product complained of burning eyes and difficulty breathing and doctors fear prolonged exposure can lead to cancer. Despite the potential risks women continue to swear by the treatment.
The keratin complex is applied to clean hair and then heat is used to seal the product onto the hair. Stylist say it is unusual to see smoke or steam rising from the hair once heat is applied releasing the toxin into the air. The FDA is currently studying the dangers of keratin hair products
There are numerous toxic chemicals in our various environments that we breathe into our lungs. One toxic substance found in buildings is asbestos which causes a fatal lung cancer called mesothelioma which affects the lining scrounging our lungs. People who work in the building and renovation industries are commonly victims of mesothelioma. Asbestos was widely used in homes and commercial buildings until the 80s when its use was prohibited because of its link to mesothelioma.
