Written question asked by Laurence Robertson (Conservative) on Wednesday, 6 December 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 12 December 2000. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Tuesday, 12 December 2000 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if he will make a statement on the requirements on companies to disclose the chemicals which they use in household cleaning products.

Answer: Mr. Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the requirements on companies to disclose the chemicals which they use in household cleaning products. [142104] Dr. Howells: The safety of chemical products, such as cleaning products, is governed by the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 1994. These Regulations require 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 phrases indicating the dangers. The particular chemical(s) which cause the product to be classified must 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 gives brief advice on suitable precautions. Manufacturers or suppliers of cleaning products would also be required to give details of how to use the product safely.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 359 c82W;359 c80W; 142104
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Disclosure of information Chemicals Health hazards Hazardous substances Labelling
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk