Ban toxic ingredients in Afro hair products
Ban toxic ingredients in Afro hair products
The Issue
Black haircare is killing black women, and I'm tired of it. Read below for the truth about a cancer-causing ingredient and how you can affect change.
To: The UK Government and Health Regulatory Authorities
We, the undersigned, call upon the UK government to take immediate action to ban haircare products containing formaldehyde from entering the UK market, particularly those targeting the Black community.
Why is this important?
Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that is commonly used in hair straightening treatments and haircare, particularly those marketed to Black women. Even though it is harmful to human health it continues to be an ingredient in many haircare products, disproportionately affecting Black women and those with Afro and curly hair.
Regular exposure to formaldehyde has been linked to increased risks of cancer, respiratory issues, and skin irritation.
This is not just a public health issue but an issue of environmental racism, as Black women and girls are often the primary consumers of these harmful products. In a society that values equality and justice, it is unacceptable for any community to be more vulnerable to harmful chemicals due to the nature of products made specifically for their hair type. We have had enough.
What we are asking for:
A complete ban on products containing formaldehyde from being imported, sold, or distributed in the UK.
Stricter regulation and testing of all haircare products, especially those marketed to Black communities, to ensure their safety.
Increased transparency and labelling on haircare products to allow consumers to make informed choices about their health.
Why should you care?
Health risks: Formaldehyde exposure is linked to cancer, respiratory problems, and other serious health issues.
Consumer rights: Everyone deserves safe, non-toxic beauty products, regardless of their race or hair type.
Equality: Black women and ethnic communities should not be subjected to products that put their health at greater risk.
By signing this petition, you are standing up for the health and safety of thousands of people and sending a message that toxic chemicals have no place in our personal care products, especially in those used by vulnerable communities.
Let’s protect our hair, our health, and our future.
Sign now to urge the UK government to take action!
What should I be using then? Is anything safe?
Read our solutions and options post here
As the founder behind Jim + Henry, and as a former journalist I feel a duty of care towards women who look like me, I will continue to share what I know so that we all remain informed about what we use on our hair, bodies and skin,
Tammy
Links to read more about formaldehyde
https://www.bcpp.org/resource/organic-solvents/
https://academic.oup.com/mutage/article/17/3/183/1080925?login=false
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0027510714001626?via%3Dihub
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The Issue
Black haircare is killing black women, and I'm tired of it. Read below for the truth about a cancer-causing ingredient and how you can affect change.
To: The UK Government and Health Regulatory Authorities
We, the undersigned, call upon the UK government to take immediate action to ban haircare products containing formaldehyde from entering the UK market, particularly those targeting the Black community.
Why is this important?
Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that is commonly used in hair straightening treatments and haircare, particularly those marketed to Black women. Even though it is harmful to human health it continues to be an ingredient in many haircare products, disproportionately affecting Black women and those with Afro and curly hair.
Regular exposure to formaldehyde has been linked to increased risks of cancer, respiratory issues, and skin irritation.
This is not just a public health issue but an issue of environmental racism, as Black women and girls are often the primary consumers of these harmful products. In a society that values equality and justice, it is unacceptable for any community to be more vulnerable to harmful chemicals due to the nature of products made specifically for their hair type. We have had enough.
What we are asking for:
A complete ban on products containing formaldehyde from being imported, sold, or distributed in the UK.
Stricter regulation and testing of all haircare products, especially those marketed to Black communities, to ensure their safety.
Increased transparency and labelling on haircare products to allow consumers to make informed choices about their health.
Why should you care?
Health risks: Formaldehyde exposure is linked to cancer, respiratory problems, and other serious health issues.
Consumer rights: Everyone deserves safe, non-toxic beauty products, regardless of their race or hair type.
Equality: Black women and ethnic communities should not be subjected to products that put their health at greater risk.
By signing this petition, you are standing up for the health and safety of thousands of people and sending a message that toxic chemicals have no place in our personal care products, especially in those used by vulnerable communities.
Let’s protect our hair, our health, and our future.
Sign now to urge the UK government to take action!
What should I be using then? Is anything safe?
Read our solutions and options post here
As the founder behind Jim + Henry, and as a former journalist I feel a duty of care towards women who look like me, I will continue to share what I know so that we all remain informed about what we use on our hair, bodies and skin,
Tammy
Links to read more about formaldehyde
https://www.bcpp.org/resource/organic-solvents/
https://academic.oup.com/mutage/article/17/3/183/1080925?login=false
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0027510714001626?via%3Dihub
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Petition created on 25 September 2024