§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what mechanisms exist to assess the toxicity of, and to approve the use of, the ingredients of aerosol spray products used in the domestic environment. [67910]
§ Dr. HowellsA number of chemicals are banned from use in consumer products by Directives agreed by all European Union Member States. Chemicals prohibited under the 'Classification, Packaging And Labelling Dangerous Substances Directive 67/548/EEC' and the 279W 'Restrictions On the Marketing And Use Of Certain Dangerous Substances And Preparations Directive 76/769/EEC', are not available for use by aerosol, or other manufacturers. Dangerous chemicals are regularly reviewed under these Directives. The safety of chemicals not prohibited under these Directives and intended for use in domestic products, including aerosols, is regulated by the Chemicals (Hazard Information And Packaging For Supply) Regulations 1994 as amended.
These Regulations require, amongst other things, that manufacturers must assess a chemical product for its health effects (toxicity, irritancy etc.). If dangerous the product must then be labelled with a warning symbol and with phrases indicating the dangers. The particular chemical(s) which cause the product to be classified must also be named on the label. The Regulations also require that all potentially dangerous chemicals supplied to the public must be in packaging which is properly labelled and contains warnings about the potential hazards and giving brief advice on suitable precautions.