Schakowsky, Other U.S. Reps Question Safety Of 'Brazilian Blowouts'
WASHINGTON (CBS) -- A popular procedure for women to tame frizzy hair is getting some push back from members of Congress, including U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.)
As WBBM Newsradio 780's Mary Frances Bragiel reports, the The Brazilian Blowout is a straightening treatment that has become extremely popular since its arrival from South America.
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But Schakowsky, along with other House members, want the Food and Drug Administration to investigate whether or not the Brazilian Blowout is safe.
A key ingredient is formaldehyde, which can irritate eyes skin and cause breathing problems. The lawmakers want better regulation and labeling after hearing stories about hair falling out and respiratory problems.
"It came to my attention that people were getting very sick, that there was hair fall, there were respiratory issues, there were all kinds of problems with Brazilian Blowout," Schakowsky told The Associated Press. "This product I think is in some ways the poster child for the problem that we have with cosmetics and various treatments."
An FDA spokeswoman says the agency continues to evaluate the data.
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