FDA's plan to ban hair relaxer chemical called, too little, too late

T April A a dozen years y scheduled to unveil a proposal to consider banning formaldehyde in the Food and Drug Administration The move comes at a time of rising alarm among researchers over the health effects of hair straighteners.

But advocates and scientists say the proposed regulation would do far too little, in addition to being far too late.

Formaldehyde is found in embalming fluid, medicines, fabric softeners, dishwashing liquid, paints, plywood, and particleboard.

Heat converts liquid formaldehyde into a gas that creates fumes that can sicken salon workers and patrons.

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