Congresswomen demand FDA action on hair straighteners delay

In 2023, two U.S. House members, Ayanna Pressley and Shontel Brown, initiated a push for the FDA to investigate the health risks associated with hair straighteners, particularly those used by Black women. They have expressed concern over the agency's repeated delays in proposing a ban on products containing formaldehyde, a chemical linked to increased cancer rates. The FDA initially set a target date for the proposal in April, which was later postponed to July and then to September. The lawmakers, along with Rep. Nydia Velazquez, have formally requested an explanation from FDA Commissioner Robert Califf regarding these delays. Pressley highlighted the societal pressures that lead Black women to seek straightening treatments, citing hair discrimination as a significant factor. She emphasized the need for individuals to express their authentic selves without fear of judgment or discrimination. The FDA has acknowledged the proposed ban as a priority but has not provided specific timelines or details about the proposal. This situation mirrors past instances where regulatory actions, such as a ban on menthol cigarettes, faced similar delays. The agency's spokesperson indicated that they would respond directly to the lawmakers' inquiries. Research has shown that the use of hair straighteners is associated with a heightened risk of uterine cancer, particularly among postmenopausal women. Thousands of lawsuits have emerged against beauty companies for allegedly misrepresenting the health impacts of these products, further complicating the regulatory landscape surrounding hair straighteners.