Formaldehyde is a high-smelling chemical that can cause allergies, irritation and poisoning when a person comes into contact or inhales concentrations higher than those indicated by ANVISA. This substance is widely used in cosmetic products, mainly in hair straightening products and nail polishes. However, in 2009, ANVISA determined that formaldehyde could only be used in small concentrations in cosmetic products due to possible personal injury.
This indication is due to the number of consequences of its use, such as hair loss, scalp burns, eye irritation and poisoning. In addition, formaldehyde and its derivatives can induce mutations in genetic material, DNA, increasing the risk of developing tumor cells and leading to the development of cancers of the mouth, nose and blood, for example.
- In addition to the use in cosmetic products.
- The use of formaldehyde is used in the laboratory to preserve animal species or anatomical parts.
- This use being authorized by ANVISA.
- Provided that people are properly protected by the use of glasses.
- Masks.
- Gloves and gowns to avoid contact with the substance.
Frequent use of formaldehyde or the contact or inhalation of large amounts of formaldehyde poses a health risk as formaldehyde is capable of causing genetic alterations and therefore interfering in various processes of normal cellular metabolism, in addition to being able to decrease the function of certain organs in the medium and short term.
For example, contact or inhalation of formaldehyde may be related to various health complications, including the development of cancer. In addition, depending on contact with formaldehyde, there may be several health risks, such as:
The risks associated with the use of formaldehyde are even greater for children, as genetic changes caused by formaldehyde may occur more easily and, as a result, children have an increased risk of developing cancer.
It is important to note that formaldehyde at the concentration authorized by ANVISA has no softening function. For example, if you feel a very strong smell of formaldehyde during smoothing, for example, it is important to inform ANVISA or Health Watch so that an inspection can be performed at the establishment, the product may be adulterated.
Prolonged and continuous use or exposure to formaldehyde can cause cancer because its effects are cumulative. Formaldehyde, its derivatives or substances that can release it, such as glyophilic acid, for example, can have a mutagenic effect, that is, they can induce mutations in DNA and lead to the production and proliferation of malignant cells, leading to cancer of the nose, mouth, larynx and blood, mainly.
Due to its carcinogenic potential, ANVISA banned the indiscriminate use of formaldehyde in cosmetic products in 2009. Therefore, ANVISA does not allow the use of formaldehyde as a nail hardener at a concentration of up to 5% and as a preservative at a concentration of up to 0.2%, and the handling of formaldehyde in beauty salons and the addition of formaldehyde to products registered by ANVISA is prohibited, because they already have the recommended concentration of formaldehyde.
Frequent exposure or high levels of formaldehyde can cause irritation and lead to signs and symptoms of poisoning, the main being:
In the case of beauty salons, professionals and clients who soften with formaldehyde are more likely to have reactions associated with exposure to the substance, as well as an increased risk of developing cancer. Therefore, it is important to avoid the use of formaldehyde and look for alternatives for these procedures. Here’s how to straighten your hair.