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| Press Release |
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State Inspectors Track Down Illegally Imported Hair Dyes
Salem, OR, January 22, 2002 -- Oregon Health Licensing Agency enforcement officers are working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to stop the use of illegal hair dyes and tints in Oregon.
Recently, enforcement officers of the Oregon Health Licensing Agency have noticed an increase in the number of hairstyling salons having illegal eyelash and eyebrow tints or dyes on their premises. Many of the products are banned for importation into the United States due to these products causing severe eye injuries, blindness and even death. The U.S. Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938 prohibits the marketing of hair dyes for eyelash and eyebrow tinting or dyeing because this practice has been know to cause severe eye injuries and blindness.
"We were able to combat the use of illegal tints about eight years ago," says Bob Gruchalla, Chief Enforcement Officer for the Oregon Health Licensing Agency, "but unfortunately some cosmetologists are choosing to use dangerous and illegal products to get the job done. That´s when the state steps in to protect the health of consumers."
The FDA and U.S. Customs agents have traced tint products seized so far to suppliers in Los Angeles, CA importing the illegal tints, primarily from Germany and Austria. The products are then sold at trade shows and through direct mail to sub-suppliers, who then market the products to local beauty-related businesses for use in their salon.
"Consumers and licensed stylists both need to be aware of the kind of chemicals you encounter every time you set foot in a salon," says Gruchalla, "and please alert the Oregon Health Licensing Agency if you encounter someone using an illegal product for tinting."
Using a product banned for importation can carry a $1000 civil fine for the practitioner, and if an investigation by the Oregon Health Licensing Agency indicates the technician knew the product was banned, an additional $1000 fine can be levied. "The civil fine is an enforcement tool," says Gruchalla, "but our goal is that these extremely dangerous products should not be used."
If you are aware of anyone using or selling these banned imported products or if you have any questions or concerns about a certain salon product, or its appropriateness in a salon, contact the Oregon Health Licensing Agency -- either by Email to hlo.info@state.or.us or by phone, 503-378-8667.
The Oregon Health Licensing Agency is the consumer protection agency that regulates nine occupations in Oregon, and provides licensing services to 35,000 customers throughout the state.
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