OSHA updates hair treatment hazard alert

Hair salon workers are routinely exposed to
hazardous chemicals and fumes.

The US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a revised hazard alert about the formaldehyde fumes released by popular hair straightening treatments with keratin (like Brazilian Blowout, for example).

OSHA first issued a warning about these products in January.

Since then, formaldehyde has been added to the list of carcinogens rather than suspected carcinogens, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also sent a warning letter to the company in question about misbranding and false information.

OSHA conducted air tests in salons using Brazilian Blowout Acai Professional Smoothing Solution and Brasil Cacau Cadiveu and found that workers were exposed to hazardous levels of formaldehyde.

To make matters worse, two manufacturers and two distributors of hair smoothing products were cited for violations that included failing to list formaldehyde on product labels as well as on accompanying hazard warning sheets (MSDS sheets) that are provided to the products' users.

"Misleading or inadequate information on hazardous product labels is unacceptable," said OSHA Assistant Secretary Dr. David Michaels in the press release.

"Salon owners and workers have the right to know the risks associated with the chemicals with which they work and how to protect themselves."

About formaldehyde: 
Formaldehyde can irritate the eyes and nose; cause allergic reactions of the skin, eyes and lungs; and is a cancer hazard.

For salon owners, stylists and other staff members using these hair products, OSHA's formaldehyde standard at 29 Code of Federal Regulations 1910.1048 has to be followed.

View OSHA’s updated alert: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/formaldehyde/hazard_alert.html
View OSHA’s formaldehyde standard: http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10075

Air cleaners for beauty salons and spas

Electrocorp has developed a range of industrial-strength air cleaners with a multistage filtration system and source capture attachment for salons and spas.

They are equipped with many pounds of granular activated carbon to remove many chemicals, fumes and odors associated with salon products.

Air cleaner for hair salons and spas:
Electrocorp's CleanBreeze 3

The complete air treatment system also filters out particles, dust and other airborne pollutants such as bacteria, viruses and mold mycotoxins.

The Clean-Breeze 3 is Electrocorp’s first-rate air purifier for salons and spas. Its flexible arm and precision cap captures pollutants at the source to provide employees and clients with safer, more breathable air.

Contact Electrocorp for more information and other options.


Related posts:

• OSHA issues health alert for hair smoothing products
• Hair treatment controversy continues
• FDA cracks down on Brazilian Blowout treatment
• Formaldehyde added to list of cancer-causing agents