Known as the Brazilian Blowout in the United States, the treatment surfaced around 2005 in Brazil, where a combination of high humidity and a largely mixed-race, curly haired population made for a nation of eager customers. It soon spread throughout North America and Europe.
Available in several brands, the process often contains varying levels of formaldehyde, which has been classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a probable carcinogen. According to complaints, it has made some stylists cough and reddened the eyes of clients.
When hair-smoothing products containing formaldehyde or methylene glycol are heated, they can release small amounts of formaldehyde gas. The products' safe use is largely dependent on proper ventilation when they are applied.
"We urge customers to exercise caution in using these products," said John Bailey, chief scientist for the Personal Care Products Council."
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