As the latest trend in salon style treatment, Brazilian Blowout boasts the ability to significantly improve the condition of hair by creating a protective protein layer that surrounds it. Doing so allows Brazilian Blowout to eliminate frizz and smooth out cuticles, rendering hair straighter and more radiant. However, recent studies conducted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identified traces of formaldehyde in the air when stylists used Brazilian Blowout, some of which neglect to disclose the dangerous ingredient on their labels as required by law. Exposure to formaldehyde may irritate the eyes and nose; cause allergic reactions of the skin, eyes and lungs; and is linked to nose and lung cancer.
If you or a loved one has been injured by Brazilian Blowout, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
Brazilian Blowout Lawsuit Overview
Through the use of a Brazilian Super Nutrient Complex and a proprietary polymer system, Brazilian Blowout actually improves the condition of hair by creating a protective protein layer around the hair shaft to eliminate frizz and smooth the cuticle. Subsequently, salons across the United States are boasting that Brazilian Blowout treatment is the next generation of salon care techniques.
Unfortunately, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted an investigation which revealed that Brazilian Blowout contains methylene glycol, a liquid variation of formaldehyde, which, when introduced to a heat source such as a blow dryer or hot iron, releases formaldehyde. Methylene glycol is a deleterious substance, which at the levels present in this product, may harm users under the conditions of use prescribed in the labeling. FDA analysis of approximately 50 mg samples of Brazilian Blowout confirmed the presence of methylene glycol. Subsequently, methylene glycol levels ranged from 8.7 to 10.4 percent.
The primary route of exposure to formaldehyde, when using Brazilian Blowout under the conditions of use prescribed in the labeling, is through inhalation. Not only are consumers susceptible to inhaling formaldehyde, but salon workers preforming the treatment as well. Salon workers and consumers alike may significantly increase their risk of experiencing catastrophic complications if they inhale the hazardous ingredient. Formaldehyde is a highly reactive chemical that readily reacts with biological tissues, particularly the mucous tissues lining the respiratory tract and the eyes. Subsequently, those exposed to formaldehyde may experience a number of catastrophic complications. Due to the severity of these complications, patients may contact a Brazilian Blowout lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation of their potential lawsuit.
Brazilian Blowout Side Effects
Adverse events have reported the following injuries associated with the use of Brazilian Blowout:
- Eye disorders (irritation, increased lacrimation, blurred vision, and hyperaemia)
- Nervous system disorders (headache, burning sensation, dizziness, syncope)
- Respiratory tract disorders (dyspnea, cough, nasal discomfort, epistaxis, wheezing, rhinorrhea, throat irritation, and nasopharyngitis)
- Nausea hypotrichosis
- Chest pain and discomfort
- Vomiting
- Rash
- Severe allergic reactions to the skin, eyes, and lungs
- Nose cancer
- Lung cancer
OSHA Brazilian Blowout Investigation
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), in association with numerous State OSHA programs, has acknowledged complaints from hair salon employees that suggest possible formaldehyde exposure after Brazilian Blowout treatments. Accordingly, OSHA conducted an investigation in an attempt to answer any questions. Further investigation revealed that traces of formaldehyde were present in the air during and after Brazilian Blowout treatment. According to reports, many of the hair straightening products neglected add formaldehyde to the labeling.
The following OSHA Hazard Alert reveals information pertaining to the investigation:
According to the investigation, Federal OSHA’s air tests showed formaldehyde at levels greater than OSHA’s limits in a salon using Brazilian Blowout Acai Professional Smoothing Solution, even though the product was labeled “formaldehyde-free.” In most cases, OSHA found that hair salon owners did not know that a hair smoothing product contained or could expose workers to formaldehyde because manufacturers, importers, and distributors did not include the correct warnings on product information. California OSHA recently found violations at one importer and distributor, GIB LLC dba Brazilian Blowout, that failed to list formaldehyde as a hazardous ingredient on the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provided to downstream users (e.g., salon owners, stylists) for two products: Brazilian Blowout Acai Professional Smoothing Solution and Brazilian Blowout Professional Brazilian Blowout Solution. The MSDS also did not list the health effects from formaldehyde exposure. The MSDS is required, by law, to provide users information about the chemicals in a product, the hazards to workers, and how to use a product safely.
FDA Warning Letter
In a recent FDA Warning Letter, the Agency contacted Mike Brady, the CEO of Brazilian Blowout maker GIB LLC. According to the letter, the FDA issued a stern warning that the companies popular smoothing solutions contain undisclosed traces of formaldehyde, a hazardous chemical and known cancer-causing agent. The letter accused GIB LLC of neglecting to put formaldehyde on the ingredient label, therefore constituting Brazilian Blowout as an adulterated cosmetic. Furthermore, the letter issued an ultimatum that suggested the company update their labels to prevent the reoccurrence of violations or else face seizure and injunction.
What is Formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling gas that presents a health hazard if workers are exposed to it. Anyone may run a significant risk of exposure to formaldehyde if they breathe it into their lungs, if it gets into their eyes, or if it is contained in a topical solution that gets onto their skin. Workers and consumers may also be exposed accidentally if they touch their face, eat food, or drink after using a product containing formaldehyde without first washing their hands. It may potentially irritate the eyes and nose, while causing severe bouts of coughing and wheezing.
As a “sensitizer,” formaldehyde can induce severe allergic reactions of the skin, eyes, and lungs such as asthma-like breathing problems and skin rashes and itching. Introduction of formaldehyde to the eyes may cause significant eye damage or even blindness. Whether residing in a product or in vapor form, formaldehyde is a significant cancer hazard. Consumers and/or workers exposed to formaldehyde may significantly increase their risk of developing nose or lung cancer.
Formaldehyde demonstrates a propensity to significantly injure those who are exposed to it. For these reasons, those exposed to formaldehyde after Brazilian Blowout treatment should contact a Brazilian Blowout lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation of their potential lawsuit.
Do I Have a Brazilian Blowout Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Brazilian Blowout lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been injured by Brazilian Blowout, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.