§ Mr. CotterTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which fire retardant chemicals are authorised for use in consumer goods in the United Kingdom. [74956]
§ Dr. HowellsThere is not an authorised list of flame-retardant chemicals used in consumer goods. The use of chemicals is governed by "The Chemical (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 1994", as amended, and "The Dangerous Substances and Preparations (Safety) (Consolidation) Regulations 1994", as amended.
A recent report by the University of Surrey for the Department of Trade and Industry on "Risks and Benefits in the Use of Flame Retardants in Consumer Products" gives an indication of the types and quantity of flame-retardant chemicals used in consumer products. A copy of this report is available in the Library.