FDA proposes ban on hair-straightening chemicals linked to cancer | USA TODAY

After calls for an investigation into hair-straightening chemicals, the Food and Drug Administration has proposed a ban on some chemicals that are linked to an increased risk of getting cancer.

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A proposed ruling filed from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration could mean bans on some chemical hair-smoothing and straightening products that have been linked to cancer.

The FDA has proposed a rule banning formaldehyde and other formaldehyde-releasing chemicals from being used in hair-smoothing and straightening products sold in the U.S.

The use of such chemicals has been linked to long-term health concerns, including an increased risk of cancer, according to the FDA. They can also cause short-term health risks, including sensitization reactions and breathing problems, the agency says.

Before an FDA proposal can become an official rule, the agency takes comments from the public and then may "decide to end the rulemaking process, to issue a new proposed rule, or to issue a final rule," the agency's site says.

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