U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown says Black and Brown women have been “sold cancer in a bottle for decades” as she and colleagues introduced new federal legislation aimed at banning formaldehyde in hair products.
The proposed Healthy Hair Act seeks to remove products containing the chemical from store shelves, citing research linking formaldehyde exposure to cancer and reproductive health risks.
Speaking in a video accompanying the announcement, Brown argued the issue is rooted in long-standing social pressures around beauty standards.
She said textured hair had historically been stigmatized, creating demand for chemical straighteners that put consumers and salon workers at risk.
“Our hair, the products we use, and how we choose to wear it should never come with health risks,” Brown said. “Our beauty should never be a death sentence.”
The lawmakers say they had previously urged the Food and Drug Administration to restrict the chemical, but claim regulators failed to act, prompting them to pursue legislative action instead.
The bill also calls for expanded research into health effects linked to hair product chemicals and stronger consumer protections.
