A video recently released by ECHA with the intention to raise awareness in potential chemical substances contained in consumer products, and the right to subsequently inquire as to a product�s ingredients, has generated debate amongst industry and NGOs.
Called "The Price You Pay", the video�s highlights depict a man�s lengthy shopping receipt at a supermarket check-out, representing the amount of chemicals in his purchases. Assertions from each side differ on the video�s perceived effectiveness, with industry claiming it to be �imbalanced, misleading and alarmist�; whilst NGOs have praised the ECHA for enabling European �citizens to be more aware of the chemicals (in products) � and provide for informed purchasing�. In a letter addressed to the Director at ECHA, the UK�s Chemical Business Association (CBA) Chairman Peter Newport, claims that the majority of substances registered under REACH with notifications �are for uses defined by REACH as industrial or professional- not for consumer application�. The European Association of Chemical Distributors (FeCC) have stated that they find the footage does not �properly communicate its intended message � and may raise unnecessary concerns.� NGOs though not in agreement with these comments, do state that attempts made to identify �concrete examples� of potential chemical substances with information on how to avoid them, would have been of further benefit to the video�s objective.
A video recently released by ECHA with the intention to raise awareness in potential chemical substances contained in consumer products, and the right to subsequently inquire as to a product�s ingredients, has generated debate amongst industry and NGOs.
Called "The Price You Pay", the video�s highlights depict a man�s lengthy shopping receipt at a supermarket check-out, representing the amount of chemicals in his purchases. Assertions from each side differ on the video�s perceived effectiveness, with industry claiming it to be �imbalanced, misleading and alarmist�; whilst NGOs have praised the ECHA for enabling European �citizens to be more aware of the chemicals (in products) � and provide for informed purchasing�. In a letter addressed to the Director at ECHA, the UK�s Chemical Business Association (CBA) Chairman Peter Newport, claims that the majority of substances registered under REACH with notifications �are for uses defined by REACH as industrial or professional- not for consumer application�. The European Association of Chemical Distributors (FeCC) have stated that they find the footage does not �properly communicate its intended message � and may raise unnecessary concerns.� NGOs though not in agreement with these comments, do state that attempts made to identify �concrete examples� of potential chemical substances with information on how to avoid them, would have been of further benefit to the video�s objective.
