A former hairdresser from Milton Keynes, Louisa Curtis, 55, claims she has been left with breathing difficulties and is unable to work after years of carrying out Brazilian blow-drying treatments. She states she suffered burns to her respiratory system due to formaldehyde gases released during the hair straightening process.
Ms Curtis reported experiencing a range of symptoms, including headaches, chest pain, chronic fatigue, skin rashes, and severe mobility issues, which she said began not long after she started performing these treatments regularly in 2008. She recalled being taken to hospital in March with breathing difficulties, where healthcare staff reportedly told her she had suffered respiratory system burns from gas exposure. Her GP has recently linked her long-term symptoms to these treatments.
Formaldehyde was banned as a cosmetic ingredient in the EU and UK in 2019. However, certain preservatives that release small amounts of the chemical are still allowed under specific conditions. Recent rule changes have lowered the threshold for requiring a formaldehyde warning label from 0.05% to 0.001% of free formaldehyde in the finished product.
The UK Health Security Agency advises that while the general public may be exposed to formaldehyde through consumer products, low-level exposure from correct use is not expected to cause adverse health effects. The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association emphasised that product and ingredient safety is central to cosmetics legislation, ensuring products are made in a controlled environment and restricting dangerous ingredients.