salon and client safety
Select a Topic below for the full article: Latest Brazilian Blowout FindingsThe Results Are In!
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Oregon OSHA Confirms: Exposure to Cosmetologists and Clients is well below OSHA’s Air Level Requirements.
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| Case 7: The seventh salon had four stations with a false ceiling. No doors or window were left open and the stylist did not use any fans during the treatment. She did not wear gloves. Breathing zone samples were placed on the stylist during the process, which took 94 minutes. The samples were changed every 15 minutes. Samples were also placed to the right of the stylist, near the stylist’s sink and to the left of the stylist. The stylist’s peak exposure was 0.471 ppm, while applying the solution. Her average exposure during the procedure was 0.255 ppm and the 8 hour average was 0.050 ppm. The results did not exceed the 8-hour limit and it is unlikely that multiple treatments would have done so. |
In referencing Brazilian Blowouts recently released air sample test results, Oregon OSHA confirms the following:
“The company released air monitoring results on October 15, 2010, taken from two stylists performing two treatments each in a single salon. The only results reported were for the eight-hour average exposure, which came to 0.064 ppm for one stylist and 0.073 ppm for the other. The middle of the salon also was tested, providing an eight-hour average of 0.016.58
In general, these results – although less detailed – are not inconsistent with Oregon OSHA’s air monitoring results, which included both results that were higher and results that were lower than those reported by the company.”
CONCLUSION: Air sample tests conducted by Oregon OSHA and HSA (those published by Brazilian Blowout) yield remarkably consistent results; both demonstrating that formaldehyde exposure levels are safely below OSHA’s Action Level.
THE RESULTS ARE IN!
EXPOSURE LEVELS TO COSMETOLOGISTS AND CLIENTS CONSIDERED SAFE!
FORMALDEHYDE GAS LEVELS ARE WELL BELOW OSHA’S PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE LIMITS (PEL)
Independent salon air monitoring performed by one of California's leading environmental safety companies, Health Science Associates (HSA), has concluded that Cosmetologists exposure levels are more than SIX times lower than OSHA's most stringent and conservative standard for air quality safety.
On October 9, 2010, HSA performed a comprehensive Air Monitoring Study over an eight-hour period in a typical salon environment, while Cosmetologists performed multiple Brazilian Blowout professional smoothing treatments throughout the day. The table below details the results of their scientific testing.
Test Summary:
The breathing air (breathing zone) of two licensed Cosmetologists was monitored while each performed two Brazilian Blowout Professional Smoothing Treatments in the same test salon, over the same eight-hour period. Their separate exposures to Formaldehyde gas in the air was determined to be 0.064 ppm and 0.073 ppm, which is well below OSHA's most stringent requirements for an eight-hour period, called the eight-hour time weighted average (TWA).
What does this mean?
The safest and most stringent level of exposure set by Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is called the OSHA Action Limit and is even more conservative than their "Permissible Exposure Limit" (PEL).
The OSHA Action limit is 0.5 ppm, therefore, these two Cosmetologist's exposures were more than six times below OSHA's most conservative measure for safety where the potential for formaldehyde gas exposure is concerned.
Conclusion:
These levels indicate that OSHA safe levels of exposure are NOT exceeded.
OSHA’s Testing Methods Proven Faulty
October, 8 2010
The Oregon division of OSHA’s (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) recent claims that samples of the Brazilian Blowout Professional Smoothing Solution contained between 4.85% and 10.6% Formaldehyde has been proven to be incorrect.
Doug Schoon, a leading scientist and expert who works with state, federal and international regulators to develop beauty industry related standards and regulations with regards to ingredient safety, consumer testing and cosmetics registrations/regulations, says that the test methods used by Oregon OSHA do not properly measure Formaldehyde in water based cosmetic products. The tests conducted by OSHA actually measured a completely different substance called "Methylene Glycol," and incorrectly referred to this substance as "Formaldehyde." Methylene Glycol is the key functioning ingredient used in most professional hair smoothing treatments currently on the market.
Schoon reports the following:
It is important to understand that Formaldehyde is not a cosmetic ingredient and never has been; it is a gas that cannot be added to cosmetics, and only exists in tiny trace amounts. Misunderstanding the nature of Formaldehyde has led to the incorrect belief that 37% Methylene Glycol is the same as 37% Formaldehyde, when in fact, 37% Methylene Glycol contains only trace amounts of Formaldehyde; less than 0.05% to be precise.
Flaws in the testing methods used by Oregon’s division of OSHA actually cause the creation of additional Formaldehyde that is not normally found in the product, which led to Oregon OSHA erroneously reporting levels of Formaldehyde that cannot possibly exist in the product, especially given that Formaldehyde is a gas. Once again, what OSHA is actually reporting, is the amount of Methylene Glycol in the product, not Formaldehyde.
The only method that accurately measures Formaldehyde in water based cosmetic products is called "13C-NMR," and OSHA did not conduct this particular type of testing. Had OSHA performed this test, they would have discovered that only tiny traces of Formaldehyde are detectable in these products, usually well below 0.0045%.
Press Release from Doug Schoon, MS; President, Schoon Scientific
October 9, 2010
Salon CoCo BOND takes the health, safety, and comfort of our clients, our stylists, and our staff very seriously. Brazilian Blowout, as stated by the manufacturer, contains "no harsh chemicals and no formaldehyde".
The official MSDS for the Brazilian Blowout can be viewed in pdf form HERE
As with other salon products (color, bleach, etc.), some people are more sensitive than others. Our experience has shown that a well-trained stylist is the most critical factor in maintaining client comfort. Product application technique, along with the use of the proper amount of product and heat, make all the difference. There will always be people, in any industry, who take shortcuts.
To further be sure we maintain a comfortable environment, we have invested in an indoor chemical source capture air cleaner for our stylists to use during treatments. The cleaner that we have selected is movable to be positioned to capture and clean air at the source. Each purifier has 24 lbs. of custom blended carbon designed specifically to ABSORB and REMOVE salon chemicals from the air (including benzene & formaldehyde). In addition to the carbon, each unit contains a HEPA filter, an anti-microbial filter and a dust filter. While there are many units that boast of carbon filtration, they typically only have a bit of carbon sprinkled onto a paper filter. Ours are designed by a company that makes multi-thousand dollar purifiers to provide healthy, clean air in nail and hair salon environments. Able to cover over 1500 Sq Ft, there is NO other portable filter with as much effective carbon. This was a costly investment and we are sure you will not find another salon in the local area with this air purifying equipment. We have also invested in a secondary air purifier that acts as a back up to the chemical source capture air cleaner, and scrubs the air of any residual residue or odor.
Also, we have our air conditioning systems set to circulate air in the styling areas of the salon 100% of the time during regular business hours. We also work to be sure we do not complete too many treatments in a single day or too many at once. Demand is high for this product but we want to be sure all of our clients and stylists are comfortable.
Due to recent reports of formaldehyde in the Brazilian Blowout, Doug Schoon, President of Schoon Scientific, an independent scientist with a Masters of Science Degree in Chemistry from the University of California-Irvine, released the following press release.
Mr. Schoon is a reputable scientist with an impressive background and a deep understanding of the real science involved in this product. He further states that, "I don't represent any of these companies, but help them all to understand the issues."
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release: October 9, 2010
For more information please contact:
Doug Schoon, M.S. Chemistry
President, Schoon Scientific
Dana Point, CA.
949-493-3380
Internationally known Scientist, Doug Schoon, responds to misleading claims by
Oregon OSHA that "Methylene Glycol" is a synonym for "Formaldehyde". Ask Doug Schoon why Oregon OSHA confuses Methylene Glycol with Formaldehyde and he'll reply, "Oregon OSHA is quoting the "regulations", but their scientists know the regulations are contrary to
the scientific facts and have recently told me this!
In reality, Methylene Glycol and Formaldehyde are very different, both chemically and physically! Methylene Glycol is a liquid; Formaldehyde is a gas. Even so, Oregon OSHA has recently declared that these are "synonyms", yet these two substances have very different chemical compositions and belong to different chemical families, the Aldehyde vs. Alcohols*. Also in 1972, both Methylene Glycol and Formaldehyde were assigned different CAS registry numbers indicating the American Chemical Society also believes these are different and unique chemical substances. Chemists with an understanding of organic chemistry will agree, whatever their opinion about these substances, that Methylene Glycol and Formaldehyde are two completely different chemicals.
It is unfortunate that this world-wide misunderstand continues to propagating confusion and mislead medical, environmental and other scientific researchers around the world. Confusion between these two chemicals is wrongly affecting important scientific research and correcting this error is long overdue. Scientific researchers and others should be educated to the facts; Methylene Glycol and Formaldehyde are NOT the same chemical substance.
I have considerable respect for OSHA and very much appreciate the great work they do to improve worker safety. Even so, OSHA should correct the regulations to be consistent with scientific facts. They should consider Methylene Glycol and Formaldehyde as two unique and individual substances, measure them as such and individually report their concentrations using correct chemical names."
*Glycols belong to the Alcohol family of chemical substances
Additional Supporting Information:
FORMALDEHYDE - anhydrous gas
Formula- CH2O
Chemical Family – Aldehyde
CAS 50-00-0
EINECS 200-001-8
INCI Name – Formaldehyde
METHYLENE GLYCOL - liquid
Formula- CH4O2
Chemical Family - Glycol
CAS 463-57-0
EINECS 207-339-5
INCI Name – Methylene GlycolOSHA- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (US Federal Department)
CAS- Chemical Abstract Service
EINECS- European Inventory of Existing Commercial Chemical Substance
INCI- International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients dictionary
Aldehyde- organic compound that contains a carbonyl center bonded to a hydrogen.
Glycol- organic compounds that belongs to the alcohol family and contain two alcohol groups.
Molecular Models:
Formaldehyde CH2O
Methylene Glycol* CH4O2
End of press release.
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release: October 10, 2010
For more information please contact:Doug Schoon, M.S. Chemistry
President, Schoon Scientific
Dana Point, CA.
949-493-3380
Internationally Known Scientist/Chemist, Doug Schoon, Speaks Out About:
The Hair Smoothing Controversy
Ask Doug Schoon what he thinks about the recent Hair Smoothing controversy and he'll say the following, which may be freely quoted, posted or distributed:
I'm a scientist and chemist that has been researching and writing about salon product safety for over 20 years and have studied the use of Formalin in cosmetics and personal care products. I've been researching Formalin containing hair smoothing products for almost two years and am considered a leading expert on this subject. In light of all of the misinformation, worry and
confusion, I believe it is important to provide information that might help to clarify the situation.
The 15 things I believe the public should know about this controversy:
- In general, "hair/keratin smoothing products" use Formalin as the functional ingredient. Formalin treatments provide the superior results and provides services that last up to three to four months.
- Formaldehyde is a GAS, not a Liquid. Formalin is a generic name for a substance that contains 59% Methylene Glycol and 0.0466% Formaldehyde, mixed in water with a small amount of Methanol to prevent the Methylene Glycol (which is a Liquid) from converting into a solid polymer.
- A change accepted in late 2008 and published in the International Nomenclature of Cosmetics Dictionary (INCI), 2010 edition, corrects the error in previous editions and now recognizes Formalin by its correct name, Methylene Glycol, making this the name manufacturers will be using to label cosmetic products containing Formalin.
- Products containing 5% Formalin (or less) contain less than 0.0025% Formaldehyde. The reason Oregon OSHA (and others) quote a much higher percentages is: The test methods they use actually measure both Methylene Glycol and Formaldehyde together as though they were one chemical, and do not report them separately, or use their proper chemical names. A "10% Formaldehyde" report from Oregon OSHA would be scientifically correct if it reported 9.96% Methylene Glycol and 0.04% Formaldehyde instead.
- Why is Oregon OSHA taking this stance? They cite regulations which repeat the 100+ year old misunderstanding that Formalin is nothing more than dissolved Formaldehyde, which is chemically and scientifically incorrect. Methylene Glycol is a unique and different chemical substance and Oregon OSHA knows this to be true, but is required by regulations to call Methylene Glycol by the incorrect chemical name, Formaldehyde.
- Science has known about this chemical identity crisis for over 35 years. In 1972 the American Chemical Society gave Methylene Glycol and Formaldehyde two separate and unique registry numbers (CAS#) to recognize them as two different chemicals. Federal OSHA should require Methylene Glycol and Formaldehyde to be measured and reported separately, which would help avoid confusion and provide for a better understanding of these two separate and unique chemical substances.
- Why do I believe this misunderstanding should be corrected? Confusion created by this long held misunderstanding is causing medical, environmental and other scientific researchers around the world to be misled. For example, researchers often perform scientific studies with 37% Formalin and are misled to believe it is 37% Formaldehyde, when in fact its 0.0466% Formaldehyde and mostly Methylene Glycol, Methanol and Water. This makes researchers more likely to report erroneous information and draw incorrect conclusions, which in turn, can prevent the proper study of Methylene Glycol.
- When Formalin containing hair smoothing products are heated, they can release low levels of Formaldehyde gas. The limited salon studies I have performed over the last 18 months have indicated that inhalation exposure levels are within the Federal OSHA safe limits. Even so, sensitive individuals may experience acute (short term) symptoms such as irritated eyes or skin, headaches, difficulty breathing, sore throat and/or nausea, even at levels considered safe by Federal OSHA guidelines. Safe and proper use largelydepend on the salon ventilation, as well as, cosmetologists’ product control and application procedures. Cosmetologists sometimes apply far too much product to the hair, which unnecessarily increases inhalation exposure, while wasting product and money.
- The safety of these types of products and services is currently being examined by the FDA and OSHA. They will look at the results obtained by monitoring cosmetologists’ and clients’ exposure to Formaldehyde gas in salon air. This type of testing is proper and accurate and will address the real issue: What are the levels of exposure for clients, cosmetologists, and other salon workers? This information is needed before any final conclusions can be reached. I have great respect for OSHA, their mission and work. I am convinced that they will provide valuable information to help determine if levels of Formaldehyde in salon air are safe. I would expect this information to be released over the coming weeks.
- Yes, there is a Safe Level for exposure to Formaldehyde and this substance is NOT automatically harmful at any concentration. Both Methylene Glycol and Formaldehyde is a natural, organic substance normally found in trace amounts in many foods, e.g. pears, apples, tomatoes, radishes, cabbage, carrots, green onions, meat, fish and shellfish. They are also naturally found in human blood and breath and both can be found naturally in organically grown foods and traces of Formaldehyde exists even in the purest mountain air.
- In general, one or two, or even a million molecules aren't likely to cause harm, since the potential for harm is caused by prolonged and/or repeated overexposure to unsafe levels; usually over an extended period of time. Less frequent exposures are less likely to result in harm or injury. Controlling the amount of exposure, e.g. proper ventilation, lowers exposure, lessens the risks and improves safety. Even so, persons with a previous history of allergic sensitivity to Formalin or Formaldehyde may adversely react with one exposure. Therefore, individuals who have or suspect allergic sensitivities should NOT receive or perform these services.
- My (limited) experience with testing the air in salons over the last 18 months leads me to believe that a well-ventilated salon, performing two or three hair smoothing treatments per day will not exceed the Federal OSHA safe levels for Formaldehyde gas.
- Cosmetologist and client safety can further be improved by using proper ventilation. The most useful type is called "chemical source capture" or "local" ventilation, meaning these devices pull much of the vapors into an overhanging hood, down a flexible tube, and through at least a 3 inch bed of activated charcoal to absorb a sizeable amount of Formaldehyde and lower exposure. Such systems can also be designed to safely ventilate to the outdoors.
- Even salons that do not perform these types of hair smoothing treatments should still always use proper ventilation. Other services also create vapors, mists and dusts which must be controlled. I have evaluated and recommend the source capture system sold by Aerovex Systems, Inc. I suspect that similar systems on the market may also be effective, but I haven't evaluated them.
- Cosmetologists should always wear impervious gloves, e.g. nitrile gloves, to help avoid the potential for adverse skin reactions from accidental skin contact to Formalin containing products. Safety eye protection equipment should be worn to prevent accidental eye exposure. Read and understand ALL warnings provided by the manufacturer, including the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and call to ask the company questions.
Fair Disclosure: I do not have any commercial interest in selling products containing Formalin (Methylene Glycol), nor do I derive any profit from the sale of Formalin containing products. I provide scientific assistance to many cosmetic/personal care/beauty companies, some of whom sell Formalin containing products, as well as work with governments, associations and advocacy groups on cosmetic/personal care related matters.
This document is not intended to be a complete or comprehensive guide. If you experience significant problems which you believe may be related to these treatments, you should seek the advice of a qualified medical doctor.
End of Press Release
METHYLENE GLYCOL INFORMATION
Brazilian Blowout ingredient Methylene Glycol is NOT on the very strict California Proposition 65 list! Also know as Methanediol & Formalin, with CAS #463-57-0, this chemical is NOT on the list of "CHEMICALS KNOWN TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO CAUSE CANCER OR REPRODUCTIVE TOXICITY" Further, from a conversation with Doug Schoon regarding pregnant women, "These chemicals are NOT teratogens, so they are very unlikely to harm a fetus." It is still, and always will be the policy of Stella Luca Salons to strongly advise against pregnant women or nursing mothers from receiving this treatment. It has not been directly tested on pregnant women (for obvious reasons).
Aerovex Systems: Salon Air Purifying
Salon CoCo BOND proudly uses the Aerovex Systems Salon Air Purifying system. For over 20 years, nail & beauty salons have relied on Aerovex Systems’ Air Purifiers to eliminate harmful vapors, strong odors and nail dust from their salon environments.
Aerovex Systems’ Chemical Source Capture System is a specialized ventilation system designed to absorb and remove Keratin Treatment vapors from the air. In addition to creating a very well ventilated area for stylists & salon patrons, the Chemical Source Capture System lowers the potential for excessive inhalation exposure. The Chemical Source Capture System improves the safety of many types of salon services, including: Brazilian Keratin Treatments, coloring & perming treatments.
Salon reviews for the Aerovex Air Purifying System
"At Salon Ziba we have been doing Brazilian Keratin Treatments for about 4 years, However a lot of the issues with fumes and ventilation were solved the moment we started to use the Aerovex chemical source capture system and the great air purifier!"
Alonso Salguero, Salon Ziba, New York, NY
"The Chemical Source Capture System provided a solution when performing keratin treatments and other chemical services. Working in a safer environment is a priority at my salon. The system enables me to have peace of mind, securing the health of employees and clients. Thank you!"
Amelia Hovan, Amelia's Salon, Merimac, MA
"I have been using the Chemcial Source Capture System from Aerovex for nearly a year, and couldn't be more pleased. It has significantly decreased client and staff sensitivity while working with various keratin treatments. I do 8-10 of these per week and have felt no cumulative effects. Clients are very happy to see that we have gone the extra mile for their safety and comfort!"
Jordana Lorraine, Dino Clark Salon, Santa Monica, CA
Brazilian Blowout
"Formaldehyde-Free" Test Results Released
October 5, 2010
Brazilian Blowout’s exclusive manufacturer of its Professional Smoothing Solution has performed a series of in-depth tests, using state-of-the-art technology to further examine the components of this formula.
Tests were conducted at room temperature, and at 450 degree (F) to simulate the conditions found in the salon when the product is used with a flat iron. Both test results show that there are trace elements of formaldehyde at a level of less than .0002%, which is 10,000 times less than the daily dosage level in Prop 65 (the Clean Air and Water Act). A level of .0002% (2/10,000ths) is considered safe and allows for use of the term “formaldehyde-free.”
Please understand that formaldehyde is a naturally occurring element that exists all around us. From the water we drink, to the purest essential oil and everything in between, there is no escaping extremely small amounts of the various forms that exist in nature.
While we humans are constantly exposed, it is the level of exposure that determines whether or not we are safe. California Proposition 65, otherwise known as the Clean Air and Water Act, sets the allowable dosage at 40 parts per million. These recent tests yield formaldehyde levels 10,000 times “less” than that which is considered safe.
As we continue our investigation into the Oregon division of OSHA’s claim, we are confident that all misinformation and inaccurate data will soon be dispelled.
We will continue to update you as information becomes available.
Exposing the Formaldehyde Myth
by Doug Schoon on August 11, 2010 ·
An unfortunate misunderstanding is happening globally concerning many cosmetic products, including some nail products. Some groups are incorrectly claiming that “formaldehyde” is an ingredient in cosmetics. Advocacy groups are even loudly proclaiming that formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and are demanding manufacturers remove this cancer-causing ingredient from cosmetics. Actually, if these groups understood formaldehyde’s basic chemistry, they would see their claims are absolutely wrong. They’d also know that formaldehyde is not a cosmetic ingredient and never has been!
Advocacy groups incorrectly claim that formaldehyde is an ingredient found in nail hardeners, nail polish and preservatives used to prevent bacterial and fungal growth in products such as lotions, creams and shampoos. How can I be so sure about that formaldehyde has never been a cosmetic ingredient? Because formaldehyde is a gas, not a liquid or a solid. A gas cannot be added to cosmetics as an ingredient, since it would rapidly escape from the product. Interestingly, formaldehyde is a naturally occurring gas that must be kept absolutely bone dry. In the presence of even tiny amounts of moisture, it instantly transforms into completely different substances. This is why it quickly breaks down and doesn’t accumulate in the environment. As you can imagine, this is yet another reason why formaldehyde can’t be used in cosmetics; it wouldn’t be stable for more than 1000th of a second after contact with moisture.
How did this misunderstanding begin? Sometime in the early 1900s formaldehyde manufacturers began mixing this gas with water to create a liquid substance called “formalin”. These manufacturers mistakenly assumed that the added formaldehyde was simply dissolving in the water, so this is how formalin was sold. They didn’t realize the truth; formaldehyde does not dissolve in water, but instead instantly reacts with the water to change into a completely new and different substance called methylene glycol. Not only is it completely different, methylene glycol belongs to an entirely separate chemical family. Formaldehyde is a gas and methylene glycol is a liquid with very different chemical properties.
Here’s what caused most of the confusion. United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and many other countries require labeling with ingredient name listed in the “INCI Dictionary”. INCI stands for “International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients”. This dictionary repeated the original misinformation and required cosmetic manufacturers using formalin to put the name “formaldehyde” on product labels. About 1.5% formalin is often in used nail hardeners and these labels carried the incorrect “formaldehyde” ingredient name for many years, even though they contain almost undetectable trace levels of true formaldehyde amounting to around 0.0010%. Manufacturers of these products had no reason for concern until it was discovered that inhaling relatively high concentrations of formaldehyde gas for long periods in rare instances may cause an unusual form of nasal cancer. Suddenly, advocacy groups began to erroneously claim that nail hardeners, polish and other cosmetics contain a dangerous cancer causing ingredient. They obviously did not realize that the label name was incorrect. When the Nail Manufacturer’s Council (NMC) discovered that nail technicians and their clients were being given incorrect information, we decided to clear up the situation once and for all. As Co-chair of the NMC, I worked with others in this industry group to officially correct the INCI naming error, which was finally approved in December 2008 and is now in effect. Manufacturers using formalin in nail hardeners can now use the correct name for this ingredient, “methylene glycol”. If you find “formaldehyde” on a cosmetic label, you will know this is an incorrect name and you can be sure that formaldehyde was NOT added to the product. You can also be sure that the formaldehyde related cancer risks claimed by these advocacy groups doesn’t apply to cosmetics.
Some advocacy groups also claim formaldehyde is a nail polish ingredient, which is also completely incorrect. Here are the facts: a major ingredient used in nail polish is called “tosylamide formaldehyde resin”. This resin is originally made using several substances, including formaldehyde gas, but the resin is totally different. It is very thick, sticky, doesn’t evaporate and has completely different properties from formaldehyde gas. This resin can contain tiny trace amounts of formaldehyde residuals, but those levels are well below those found in nature. Formaldehyde is created in many naturally-occurring processes. Yes, formaldehyde is a natural and organic substance that is normally found in many foods up to 0.0098%. Trace amounts naturally occur in even organically grown pears, apples, carrots and tomatoes. In nail polish, the trace formaldehyde residuals are about the same as what naturally occurs in some foods. Also, scientific studies done in salons have proven that nail products don’t increase levels of formaldehyde in the salon air, so why the concern? Unless these advocacy groups think organically grown apples and carrots are also dangerous, they must be greatly over exaggerating the health risks.
The third incorrect claim is that certain preservatives used in some lotions, creams, shampoos, body washes, etc. release so much formaldehyde gas that they can cause cancer. What is the scientific truth? The most effective preservative ingredients for these types of cosmetics will very slowly release even lower amounts of formaldehyde than what is found in foods. In general, they release about 100 times lower levels or about 0.0001%. As you now know, this will immediately mix with water in the product and instantly convert into methylene glycol, so there’s virtually no chance of inhaling harmful levels of formaldehyde gas. The same thing happens to the trace levels of formaldehyde that naturally occurs in food, which is why formaldehyde gas inhalation isn’t a problem with cosmetics. Remember, formaldehyde gas only rarely causes nasal cancer and when it does, these problems are only found in people who inhale significantly large dosages for long periods of time, e.g. formaldehyde manufacturing plant worker. These extremely beneficial preservatives can help ensure the safety of cosmetic products, so it’s important to not to unfairly slander them. These preservative may occasionally cause skin irritation and allergic sensitivity in a small percentage of the population, but show no adverse effects for the overwhelming majority of people who use products protected by these important ingredients.
You can see that when the science behind this issue is examined, it becomes clear and obvious that the claims about formaldehyde in cosmetics causing cancer are not only incorrect; the entire issue has been dramatically exaggerated and overstated. Next time you hear that “formaldehyde” is a cancer causing ingredient in cosmetics, you’ll know this is NOT true! You’ll also know that whoever made this statement doesn’t understand the facts. Please set them straight. Save this article so you can give it to them. Educators, please share this information with your students. It hurts the entire beauty, cosmetic and personal care industry when misinformation like this goes uncorrected. We need to set the record straight and you can help.