Cookie Control

This site uses cookies to store information on your computer.

Some cookies on this site are essential, and the site won't work as expected without them. These cookies are set when you submit a form, login or interact with the site by doing something that goes beyond clicking on simple links.

We also use some non-essential cookies to anonymously track visitors or enhance your experience of the site. If you're not happy with this, we won't set these cookies but some nice features of the site may be unavailable.

By using our site you accept the terms of our Privacy Policy.

(One cookie will be set to store your preference)
(Ticking this sets a cookie to hide this popup if you then hit close. This will not store any personal information)

EPA Warns Toxic Formaldehyde Presents An Unreasonable Risk Of Injury

"The agency’s final risk assessment for formaldehyde jump-starts the process to address the risk posed by the cancer-causing chemical"

"Using formaldehyde, a common chemical that can cause cancer and other chronic conditions, presents an “unreasonable risk of injury to human health” in current practices, the Environmental Protection Agency said Thursday.

With a pickle-like odor, formaldehyde is found “nearly everywhere,” officials note. People and animals produce and release it. It is also emitted when cars release exhaust, through forest fires, and smoking. And, formaldehyde is used to make glues, paints, plastics, textiles, semiconductors, construction materials, toys, and furniture. It’s a preservative in laboratories and mortuaries. Over time, it may be released from those products.

Included in products to help straighten hair or smooth curls, formaldehyde can pose a disproportionate risk to Black women and other women of color. About half of products advertised to Black women contain these kinds of chemicals, whereas just 7 percent are advertised to white women, researchers found. When used at a salon that isn’t properly ventilated, both the salon professionals and their clients are at risk of inhaling the colorless gas."

Julia Musto reports for the Independent January 2, 2025.

SEE ALSO:

"Risk Evaluation for Formaldehyde" (EPA)
 

Source: Independent, 01/03/2025