How can formaldehyde affect my health?

Formaldehyde is listed as a substance "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen" in the Eleventh Report on Carcinogens published by the National Toxicology Program because long-term exposure has been linked to increased cancer of the nose and throat. Drinking large amounts of formaldehyde can cause coma and death due to respiratory failure.

Exposure to high levels of formaldehyde can cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs, severe shortness of breath, bronchitis, and rapid heart rate. Continued exposure can also cause severe allergic reactions of the skin and eyes, skin allergies and rashes, and asthma-like allergies with coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and a drop in body temperature.

Exposure to low levels of formaldehyde can irritate and burn the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. In women, exposure can cause menstrual disorders. People with asthma may be more sensitive to exposure to formaldehyde.

Cibergrafía: http://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/text_version/chemicals.php?id=14

Health Alarm Over New Hair Straightener

BKT, Treatment From Brazil, Contains Known Cancer-Causer

(CBS)  Women are raving about a new hair-straightening process from Brazil that works and, by all accounts, works well, for up to four months. But Brazilian Keratin Treatment (BKT) uses formaldehyde, a chemical known to cause cancer. On The Early Show Friday, Dr. Ellen Marmur, a dermatologist at New York's Mount Sinai Medical Center, raised red flags about the potential health risks of BKT. It's grown rapidly in popularity in the United States over the last six months. It promises shiny, voluminous, straight hair -- even on colored or damaged hair -- for three to four months. The procedure, which costs between $150 and $800 or more, is available at salons across the country. BKT claims to use keratin, a type of protein, rather than chemicals to naturally smooth out and straighten hair. But experts say that's doubtful, and it's really the formaldehyde that makes the treatment work. Formaldehyde is considered a carcinogen by a number of health and safety agencies.

Apparently, noxious fumes are released when it's applied, posing potential risks to the customer, the person applying it, and even others in the vicinity, Marmur says, adding that it's not just the risk from the actual application of the treatment, but from what happens in the months following it, when the chemical breaks down, that worries her.

Marmur stresses that, "It's not regulated at all. And why take the chance when there are other, safer options?"

Authorities have linked one death to BKT. It happened in Brazil.

Cibergrafía: http://www.hair-styles-secrets-revealed.com/hair/202/brazilian-keratin-treatment-danger/