A Blowout Win
When OHSU’s Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology was contacted by a hair stylist concerned about the safety of a hair straightening product…we had no idea it would ignite a controversy to be covered by press nationwide.
The call resulted in a joint investigation by OHSU and Oregon OSHA which determined that the product – named Brazilian Blowout – contained significant levels of formaldehyde.
Because hair stylists and customers were in contact with the popular product, OHSU and Oregon OSHA issued a media release as it was a public health issue.
The result: several news stories. Examples here and here.
Recently, we learned the communications outreach work by Oregon OSHA and OHSU resulted in a Spotlight Award by the Portland chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. The award was in their category of issue management.
OHSU appreciates the acknowledgement but of course we consider notices such as this part of our public mission to improve the health of residents.
If you want more info, here’s a blog post from CROET.
