WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – Hair color and cosmetics can be synonymous with heavy duty chemicals, some of which have made national news for their harmful consequences.
Keratin treatments have been making headlines for their formaldehyde content, a chemical deemed a potential carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency.
When using the treatment, stylists often cover their mouths with guards and use heavy ventilation techniques. When not used properly, customers have experienced rashes, coughing and blurry vision.
On a national level, the Food and Drug Administration has limited ability to regulate cosmetics and labeling. As a result, state organizations like the North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners have taken over the duty of licensing, inspection and safety regulation.
North Carolina's cosmetic board was founded in 1933 and oversees the licensing of about 85,000 beauty professionals and more than 15,000 salons across the state.
The board has learned that it is?on the list of more than 300 state organizations that could be pulled by the general assembly as regulatory committees review the effectiveness of the groups.
Despite being self-sufficient, using funding solely from licensing fees and other salon and stylist fees, the cosmetic board is up for review. The board believes regulators feel that their fees are a hindrance to the salon industry and their removal would take a burden off the industry during a recession.
The Governor and General Assembly are considering consolidation, restructure or elimination of the board.
North Carolina's State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners consists of six members and a staff that enforce requirements for the licensure of individuals, salons and schools. They also inspect facilities and educate consumers on cosmetics.
The purpose of the board is to protect the public from unqualified practitioners and the risks associated with unsafe use of cosmetics, some of which include strong chemicals.
Cosmetic instructors and the board worry that North Carolina could return to a "kitchen salon" environment if there was no longer a check on sanitation and safety.
Instructors also say that cosmetic schools (e.g. Miller-Motte College, CFCC, etc) would become unnecessary if the board was no longer inspecting the 138 schools they currently oversee, and licensure was no longer required to practice.
Currently, the board enforces 1500 hours of student training and under state law, eight hours of continuing education per year.
To find out more information about the organizations being evaluated by the state, check www.ncleg.net/regreform.
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