Re-posted from Nappturality which was reposted from another site
http://www.nappturality.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2594:hidden-danger-formaldehyde-in-hair-products&catid=34:careinfo&Itemid=30
Recently I learned that some preservatives in beauty products turn into formaldehyde gas. I’m no scientist but I know formaldehyde gas can’t be good.
To clarify some things, I spoke with Leroy Courteaux, of Vida of New Orleans. Courteaux is a biochemist research developer, and pioneered the use of enzymes in the beauty industry. He is a manufacturer and private consultant to many major cosmetic companies. Courteaux has challenged many manufacturing companies about their products and claims. He has proven to the industry that hair cannot be reconstructed. Courteaux shows his concern for people’s health through his research. Following are his answers to my formaldehyde-related questions.
Q: Are over-the-counter and professional chemicals in the beauty industry regulated?
A: No FDA approval is needed to put anything in a product.
Companies are required by law to regulate themselves. If they find a defect or problem with their product, they are supposed to notify the public and change or alter the chemical. Most manufacturers do not do that.
The FDA did finally provide some regulation after severe problems arose with formaldehyde in fingernail polish. There were a lot of problems with people’s nails. So because of its side effects, the FDA banned formaldehyde from being used in cosmetics in the United States.
Q: Is there a relatively safe amount of formaldehyde that could be used?
A: You should not use more than .02 percent of formaldehyde in any cosmetic product.
Q: Is this regulated or monitored?
No, it is not! Chemical companies and beauty manufacturers are continuing to use formaldehyde under different names. The five most common terms to watch for are: diazolidinyl urea; imidazolidinyl urea; quarterinium-15; DMDM hydantoin; 2-bromo; and 2-nitropropane 1.
When heat is applied, these chemicals are altered and release formaldehyde into the air as gas.
Q: Don’t manufacturers tell you their products are safe?
A: Yes. But remember that when you alter or change chemicals, they actually become something else. When they change, they release formaldehyde into the air.
Q: What about clothes, draperies, carpets, upholstery or Formica?
A: These are all safe as long as they aren’t exposed to heat. Formaldehyde is probably one of the most dangerous chemicals that we deal with in the beauty industry, and most people are totally unaware of it.
After speaking with a friend of mine who is a mortician, I asked him how he protects himself when he uses formaldehyde. He uses chemical aprons that go all the way to the floor, so chemicals cannot penetrate them. Also, he wears a drape that protects his arms and hands, and goggles and a facemask. He uses a gas mask because paper masks don’t make a difference.
If a client or hairdresser breathes formaldehyde gas through a paper mask, they will absorb it into their body.
Q: What are some of the side effects of formaldehyde gas?
A: Asthma, cancer, bronchitis, cellular mutation, killing of human cells, stopping new cell development. Formaldehyde will kill anything it comes in contact with.
Q: What about night creams?
A: Formaldehyde is used in a lot of night creams in different forms. One of the more prevalent forms of formaldehyde is quarternarium-15. It is listed as a preservative in cosmetics and hair products and in some conditioners, moisturizers and reconstructors, but it is in fact a chemical that will release formaldehyde when heat is applied.
Q: Anytime you blow-dry hair or use the heat of a flat iron, gases are released?
A: Yes. Some people are more sensitive than others to the trace amounts of formaldehyde released. But over time there can be health issues, eye and skin irritation, etc.
This article was written by Lori Dawn, http://www.healthytimesarticles.com/
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