Last April, we wrote about a dangerous airborne hazard that could be injuring employees and customers at a number of hair salons in New York and across the country. A popular keratin treatment for women known as "Brazilian Blowout" was flagged by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) after tests revealed that high levels of formaldehyde gas were being released during the heating and straightening process.

The harmful fumes from formaldehyde can produce a wide range of health consequences including irritated eyes and allergic reactions. Formaldehyde gas has also been labeled as a possible carcinogen.

Last November, the California attorney general's office filed a lawsuit against the company that manufacturers Brazilian Blowout. Two of the company's products were listed as being formaldehyde-free, and the lawsuit alleged that this constituted deceptive advertising.

Late last month, the lawsuit was settled and the company agreed to take several measures to rectify the situation, including changing some of its product labels and paying about $600,000 in fines and penalties.

The settlement also requires the company to provide a pamphlet to salons which informs them of safety precautions to take when using the product. This is perhaps one of the most important parts of the settlement as far as the safety of workers is concerned.

It is unclear whether or not hair salon employees can ever be completely safe while using a product that emits formaldehyde gas. However, they need to at least be informed about the dangers of using Brazilian Blowout as well as what safety precautions they can take.

Source: Washington Post, "Maker of Brazilian Blowout hair products agrees to settle Calif. lawsuit with labeling changes," Jan. 30, 2012