Nairobi, March 7 -- Researchers at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri) have discovered formaldehyde, a harmful neurotoxin that can cause brain cancer and impair memory, in hair relaxers widely used in the country.

Kemri's toxicology report shows that at least eight hair relaxers are affected. However, the researchers did not name the brands in the report.

"Six (75 per cent) were manufactured in Kenya and two (25 per cent) in Uganda and South Africa respectively. Five (62.5 per cent) were labelled 'for professional use only'," the Kemri study said.

Some 11 different chemicals of concern (COCs) were identified in the eight hair relaxers.

In particular, petrolatum and sodium hydroxide (Tier 2) were present in 100 per cent and 87...