Health Canada is again warning Canadians about “Brazilian blowout” hair smoothing products.

The federal agency has listed 11 products — in addition to 11 that were previously flagged — that contain formaldehyde at unacceptable levels. Formaldehyde is permitted as a preservative in cosmetics at levels of no more than 0.2 per cent, but some of the products warned against contain it at levels of up to 8.4 per cent.

Health Canada has received complaints of burning eyes, nose, and throat, breathing difficulties and even hair loss associated with use of some professional hair smoothing products. These products are not available directly to consumers but can be attained at salons.

Regulators in the United States have raised similar concerns about Brazilian blowout hair products.

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