This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to say that any hair straightening or hair smoothing product (including keratin treatments) that contains any amount of formaldehyde or a formaldehyde-releasing substance is considered adulterated. The bill adds a definition for "hair straightening or hair smoothing product" as a product intended to straighten, relax, smooth, or otherwise alter hair texture. The adulteration rule applies to cosmetics introduced or delivered for introduction into interstate commerce 180 days after enactment.
The bill also directs the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, working with the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), to study short-term and long-term health impacts of exposure to these products or similar chemicals the Secretary finds to pose comparable risks. The study must look at impacts on salon workers and possible links to cancer, respiratory issues, and endocrine disruption. The Commissioner must send an initial report to Congress within 1 year of enactment and a final report within 2 years and 2 months. Reports must include study findings and recommendations for regulatory action, enforcement, and further research.
No publicly available information on costs, funding, or estimated expenses is included in the bill text.
Sponsors introduced the measure to classify hair straightening and smoothing products that contain formaldehyde as adulterated and to require federal study and reporting on health impacts. Sponsors include Representatives Shontel Brown, Nydia Velázquez, Ayanna Pressley, Yvette Clarke, Eleanor Norton, and others.
No publicly available information on opposition or statements from opponents is included in the bill text or provided metadata.