It was three years ago this month that we began our investigation with Oregon OSHA into complaints by hair stylists related to the use of Brazilian Blowout, a hair straightening product. And we told you in 2011 Let’s Put it to Bed and in 2012 Never Say Never. We really didn’t expect to still be talking about this topic this many years later. However, this week’s news release about a class action suit settlement deserves at least a few sentences. Especially if word hasn’t gotten around to stylists who intend to participate in the settlement. Those who bought or used Brazilian Blowout, a salon hair straightener on or before June 6, 2012, may be entitled to a cash payment under this $4 million class action settlement. The settlement will provide cash payments to stylists and consumers, including being able to claim up to $2000 in medical reimbursements. While safety and health professionals would much rather prevent toxic exposures than rely on compensation by class action suit, we hope that this outcome, fairly small on an individual scale, provides some restitution to those deceived and harmed in the use of this product. Learn more about the class action settlement procedures. Follow our lengthy tracking of the use of formaldehyde in hair straighteners on our Emerging Issues webpage – which incidentally has attracted nearly 40,000 visitors since we began it in August of 2010.

Resources:
OccHealthSci’s Emerging Issues webpage