New York Representative Nydia M. Velázquez and other state lawmakers on Wednesday asked the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to explain ongoing delays in banning formaldehyde and other related chemicals in hair products.
In a letter penned by Velázquez, Ayanna Pressley (Massachusetts), and Shontel Brown (Ohio), the trio of state representatives expressed concern over the postponements of the proposed ban, which has been delayed twice since this past April, according to a press release.
The proposed ban came into existence following a March 2023 request from Pressley and Brown for an investigation into the health risks associated with formaldehyde, a carcinogen widely used in hair relaxers and chemical hair straighteners.
Among the significant health risks cited by the lawmakers in the letter included numerous forms of cancer, respiratory problems and reproductive issues, the press release said.
Additionally, the letter highlighted that women of color face disproportionately higher risks from hair products containing formaldehyde because they are more likely to use them, according to the state representatives.
Citing research done on the subject, the letter pointed out that around 50% of products that contain these harmful chemicals are advertised to Black women, compared to the estimated 7% that are marketed to their white counterparts.
In lieu of these raised concerns, the representatives called upon the FDA to provide specific reasons behind the delays, as well as a clear timeline for finalizing the formaldehyde ban.
In addition, the lawmakers also raised concerns about the potential health impacts on communities of color as a result of the postponement, and asked what steps will be taken to minimize disruption to businesses once the ban is in effect.
"As the FDA works to address these pressing issues, it is essential to continue to highlight the gravity of formaldehyde exposure, as highlighted by both epidemiological data and laboratory research," the lawmakers wrote in the letter to the FDA. "Ensuring that regulatory actions align with the best interests of public health remains the goal, and we look forward to your prompt response."
