In spite of such “reassurance”, currently, California, Europe, Canada and South America all have banned the use of Brazilian Keratin Treatment on salon clients.
Farouk Shami Founder and Chairman of Farouk Systems
“I take my hat off to our neighbors in Canada for being one step ahead of our regulators in quickly banning these dangerous products...” One of the first USA manufacturers to speak out in support of Canadian reports and international response, bringing the controversy to his home turf, was Farouk Shami of Farouk Systems. On December 15 of last year, he sent out a letter to all hair industry professionals to raise awareness concerning this controversy, true to his mission to offer safer alternatives to fellow hairdressers and their clients. The same letter announced efforts to develop a truly 100% safe formaldehyde-free smoothing system. What levels are currently allowed in cosmetic products by USA legislation?
Contrary to popular belief, there are no regulatory standards set by the United States FDA that limit formaldehyde in beauty products. Currently the State of California has set the standard for banning formaldehyde through the California Safe Cosmetics Act. The allowable level of formaldehyde in cosmetics is only 0.2 percent. The occupational air quality levels set by OSHA is 0.75 ppm over an 8 hour period. Is anything happening in the Congress to establish new legal standards for such products?
This past year the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010 was introduced to Congress. This bill was designed with the Safety of the American people in mind. Its goal is to give the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authority to ensure that personal care products are safe and free of harmful ingredients. This bill must be reintroduced to Congress. Why are USA regulatory bodies so slow in updating current limits or banning dangerously toxic products?
There is a lack of regulatory oversight, perhaps due to other pressing issues in the government. We will only see an improvement in regulating dangerous cosmetic and personal care products when the FDA implements a mandatory pre-market approval process as opposed to
128❘ E S T E T I C A
post market surveillance. Who knows how long this will take? This is why I took matters into my own hands and developed CHI Enviro American Smoothing System that is 100% formaldehyde free. Hairdressers now can perform revenue boosting smoothing treatments without risking their or their clients’ health. Our mission statement has always been and always will be “Environment, Education and Ethics.” And what is more important, CHI Enviro comes complete with a customer information pamphlet on safety precautions, Home Maintenance tips, and FAQs, so that hair care professionals will be able to better advise and reassure clients.
John Cook Managing Director Trichovedic Pty
“Pay attention to the interaction of other ingredients” Why did you withdraw HydroSpa Keratin Smoothing Treatment from the market although it was said to be formaldehyde free?
After learning that two products had been ordered to withdraw from the Irish market due to illegal levels of formaldehyde, I decided to have our product independently tested for formaldehyde. Test results revealed that our product also contained illegal levels. I immediately and voluntarily withdrew our product from the Australian Market. Could it be that the formaldehyde is the result of the interaction of other ingredients included in the formulation of smoothing products?
According to our Brazilian manufacturer they do not formulate with formaldehyde and its presence in the product is the result of interaction of other ingredients in the formulation. Our consultant Doctor of Toxicology has confirmed that this is quite possible. Could the smoothing products containing formaldehyde in accordance with the limits established by law be dangerous for health?
I do not believe so, as everything I have read indicates that formaldehyde is a potential health hazard when exposure levels are high and over an extended period of time. Legislation in Australia limits formaldehyde in cosmetics to 0.02% and in the air to 2 ppm (parts per million) Short-Term Exposure Level and 1 ppm Time Weighted