Blumenauer calls for Brazilian Blowout recall

KOIN:

In a letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer requested a voluntary recall of Brazilian Blowout."Given the danger to public health and risk of deception by Brazilian Blowout, the voluntary recall process is the most appropriate and effective means of addressing this situation," wrote Blumenauer.Portland hair stylist Molly Scrutton helped launch the investigation into Brazilian Blowout last October. She reported breathing problems and nosebleeds from using the product on customers. Researchers at state and federal labs reported high levels of formaldehyde in the hair straightening product labeled "formaldehyde-free."Formaldehyde is a carcinogen, which means it can cause cancer. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration issued a nationwide hazard alert saying stylists could be exposed to formaldehyde during the hair straightening process, especially when heat is applied.GIB LLC out of California does business as Brazilian Blowout. In a statement this week on the Brazilian Blowout website it maintains the product is safe. "Every controlled air monitoring test conducted by OSHA and alternate reputable institutions has produced results conveying that the Brazilian Blowout Smoothing Treatment falls well beneath even the most stringent of OSHA safety standards," according to the Brazilian Blowout website.Blumenauer is asking the FDA to issue a recall notice encouraging GIB to voluntarily recall the product. He is awaiting a response from the FDA.GIB did not return our call Thursday for comment.

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