SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — California's attorney general says the maker of a popular line of hair-straightening products has agreed to alert consumers and stylists that two of its formulations emit formaldehyde gas, a possible carcinogen.
The labeling changes announced Monday are designed to settle a lawsuit the state filed against the company that makes Brazilian Blowout products.
The suit filed in November accused North Hollywood-based GIB LLC of deceptive advertising, because Brazilian Blowout Acai Smoothing Solution and Brazilian Blowout Professional Smoothing Solution were labeled as being free of formaldehyde.
The dangers of the product first came about in a KOIN Local 6 investigation that began in September of 2010, causing several denouncements from local, federal and international governments.
Molly Scrutton, one of the initial Portland salon stylists who was concerned about the hazardous product, said she was happy Tuesday to hear about the follow-up.
"I basically just wanted the company to be forthright and honest about what's in their products," said Scrutton, who added later that her salon in the Pearl District would never work with the product again.
The company has agreed to pay $600,000 in fines and penalties and to have the products tested for all toxic substances at a state lab.
Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration have been investigating the products.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
