OSHA has found that some hair smoothing products may contain formaldehyde, may release formaldehyde at levels above OSHA's permissible limits during use, and may be mislabeled, all of which can pose health risks to salon workers. Salons and other employers, such as beauty schools, that use hair smoothing products that contain or may release formaldehyde must follow the requirements in OSHA's formaldehyde and hazard communication standards.

OSHA measured unsafe levels of formaldehyde in the air at three salons using specific products and issued citations to the salon owners for failing to protect workers from over exposure to formaldehyde. OSHA also issued citations and fines to salons and other employers (e.g., beauty schools) for using products that contained or could release formaldehyde and failing to follow the requirements in OSHA's formaldehyde standard (e.g., testing the air to determine formaldehyde levels, providing protective equipment, providing training). In addition, OSHA tested and found formaldehyde in several products that were labeled "formaldehyde free" or did not list formaldehyde on the label. OSHA cited the manufacturers and distributors of these products for incorrectly labeling the products.

While this webpage highlights information and data that OSHA has on formaldehyde in hair smoothing products, other products used in the salon may also contain or release formaldehyde. The information on this webpage applies all salon products that contain or may release formaldehyde. Salon owners, stylists, and other salon workers have the right know what is in the products that they are buying and using and how to protect their workers and themselves from formaldehyde exposure. If salon owners decide to use products that contain or could release formaldehyde, then they must follow the requirements in OSHA's formaldehyde and hazard communication standards. This webpage provides information on:

• Formaldehyde Levels Found in Hair Salons
• Health Risks of Formaldehyde
• How to Know if Products Contain or Release Formaldehyde
• Protecting Worker Health: What OSHA Requires
• How OSHA Can Help

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