Content
Formaldehyde is a strong-smelling chemical that can cause allergies, irritations and intoxication when a person comes into contact or inhales concentrations above those indicated by ANVISA. This substance is widely used in cosmetic products, mainly in hair straightening products and in nail polishes, however in 2009 ANVISA determined that formaldehyde could only be used in small concentrations in cosmetic products due to possible damage to the body.
This indication was due to the fact that several consequences of its use have been reported, such as hair loss, scalp burns, eye irritation and intoxication. In addition, formaldehyde and its derivatives can induce mutations in the genetic material, DNA, increasing the risk of developing tumor cells and leading to the emergence of cancer of the mouth, nose and blood, for example.
In addition to the use in cosmetic products, the use of formaldehyde is used in the laboratory to preserve animal species or anatomical parts, and this use is authorized by ANVISA, provided that people are properly protected with the use of goggles, masks, gloves and gowns for avoid contact with the substance.
Conservation of animals in formaldehyde
Health risks of formaldehyde
The frequent use of formaldehyde or the contact or inhalation of large quantities of this substance poses a health risk because formaldehyde is capable of causing genetic alterations and, thus, interfering in several processes of normal cellular metabolism, in addition to being able to decrease the function of some organs in the medium and short term.
Thus, contact or inhalation of formaldehyde may be related to several health complications, especially with regard to the development of cancer. In addition, depending on how the contact with formaldehyde is, there may be several health risks, such as:
- Changes in the respiratory tract, with bronchitis, pneumonia or laryngitis;
- Changes in the skin, which may result in dermatitis, ulcer formation and local necrosis;
- Hair loss and scalp burn;
- Intoxication, which can result in death if the formaldehyde concentration with which it had contact was very high.
The risks of using formaldehyde are even greater in the case of children, as the genetic changes caused by formaldehyde can happen more easily and, therefore, children are at greater risk of developing cancer.
It is important to keep in mind that formaldehyde in the concentration authorized by ANVISA has no smoothing function. Thus, if during the hair straightening procedure a very strong odor characteristic of formaldehyde is felt, for example, it is important to inform ANVISA or the Health Surveillance so that an inspection can be carried out in the establishment, as the product may be adulterated.
Does the use of formaldehyde cause cancer?
The prolonged and continuous use or exposure to formaldehyde can lead to cancer, since its effects are cumulative. This is because formaldehyde, its derivatives or substances that can release it, such as glyoxylic acid, for example, can have a mutagenic effect, that is, they can induce mutations in the DNA and lead to the production and proliferation of malignant cells, resulting in cancer nose, mouth, larynx and blood, mainly.
Due to its carcinogenic potential, the indiscriminate use of formaldehyde in cosmetic products was banned by ANVISA in 2009. Thus, it is only authorized by ANVISA that formaldehyde be used as a nail hardener in a concentration of up to 5% and as a preservative in a concentration up to 0.2%, and the manipulation of formaldehyde in beauty salons and the addition of formaldehyde to products registered by ANVISA is prohibited, since they already have the recommended formaldehyde concentration.
Signs of formaldehyde poisoning
Frequent exposure or high concentrations of formaldehyde can cause irritation and lead to the onset of signs and symptoms of intoxication, the main ones being:
- Skin irritation, which can be perceived through redness, pain, burning and peeling;
- Eye irritation, with excessive tearing, conjunctivitis and blurred vision;
- Respiratory tract irritation, which can result in pulmonary edema, irritation in the nose;
- Decreased respiratory rate;
- Headache;
- Loss of hair;
- Motion sickness;
- Diarrhea;
- Cough;
- Liver enlargement in case of prolonged contact.
In the case of beauty salons, professionals and clients who use formaldehyde straightening are often more likely to have reactions associated with exposure to the substance, in addition to greater chances of developing cancer. Therefore, it is important to avoid the use of formaldehyde and seek alternatives for these procedures. Here's how to straighten your hair.
Created by: Tua Saúde Editorial Team
Bibliography>
- DIAS, Tânia Cristina S. In vitro evaluation of the effect of different chemical / thermal straightening processes on hair fiber. Doctoral thesis, 2015. University of São Paulo.
- BRAZILIAN SOCIETY OF DERMATOLOGY. Formaldehyde risks - Dermatologists warn of using the substance in hair procedures. 2019. Available at:. Accessed on 02 Apr 2020
- INCA. Frequently asked questions: Formaldehyde. Available in: . Accessed on 02 Apr 2020
- FASTH, Ida M .; ULRICH, Nina H .; JOHANSEN, Jeanne D. Ten-year trends in contact allergy to formaldehydeand formaldehyde-releasers. Contact Dermatitis. Vol 79. 263-269, 2018
- ALLEGRA, Alessandro et al. Formaldehyde Exposure and Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Review of the Literature. Medicine. 2019