Final answer:
The treatments mentioned are likely hair smoothing or straightening treatments that release formaldehyde gas upon heating, which is a known health risk.
Step-by-step explanation:
The treatments you are referring to contain silicone polymers and formalin or similar ingredients, which release formaldehyde gas when heated to high temperatures. Formalin is approximately a 40% solution of formaldehyde in water and is used to preserve biological specimens. This substance is an essential part of many polymers used in a variety of products, including fabrics, insulation, and carpeting. Formaldehyde has germicidal properties and is known to cause coagulation of proteins, hence its use in both tissue preservation and embalming. However, it is considered a carcinogen and can cause health risks when its fumes are inhaled, especially at high concentrations. Silicones, or polysiloxanes, consist of an inorganic silicon-oxygen backbone with organic groups attached to silicon atoms. These polymers are known for their durability and are found in numerous consumer products.