WORKPLACE SAFETY: CAL/OSHA Warns on Formaldehyde Exposure for Hair Salon Workers

April 15, 2011

Oakland – The state Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cautioned salon owners and workers on potential exposure to formaldehyde, a cancer-causing substance, commonly found in hair smoothing products, a statement from the agency website said.

The hazard alert was issued after Cal/OSHA, Oregon OSHA, and federal OSHA have conducted investigations into some hair-styling products which are labeled formaldehyde-free and found that the use of these products caused workers to be overexposed to the substance. The product was imported from Brazil and distributed by a US company.

Cal/ OSHA also found that formaldehyde was not listed as ingredient on the product label but was present in the products, which is a violation of California’s Hazardous Substances Information and Training Act and occupational safety and health standards. As a result, the OSHA issued citations to the product distributor.

Formaldehyde is also used in wood products processing, in glues and adhesives, permanent-press fabrics, insulation materials and in other industrial processes. In addition to this, it is also used as an industrial fungicide, germicide, and disinfectant, and as a preservative in mortuaries and medical laboratories. It is also present in nature and environment in small concentrations.