World Consumer Rights' Day: learn more about chemicals
ECHA celebrates the World Consumer Rights' Day 2014 by publishing more information about the safe use of chemicals for consumers.
A revamped "Chemicals in our life" web section explains how chemicals can be used safely in our daily life both at home and at work. It also gives tips on how consumers can find out more about the chemicals that they use. As defined in the REACH Regulation, consumers have the "right to ask" retailers whether the products they buy contain certain very hazardous chemicals. The suppliers are legally obliged to provide this information free of charge.
For readers who wish to know more, the web section provides background information on current scientific topics, such as nanotechnology, endocrine disrupters and the cocktail effect of chemicals mixtures. Consumers can also find information about very hazardous chemicals and the possibilities to replace them with safer alternatives.
The section highlights the importance of chemicals to our economies and explains that sound chemical management is essential to avoid risks to humans and the environment.
"The safe use of chemicals is the cornerstone of our activities. We are pleased to provide a lot of more information on chemicals in our life in all EU languages for consumers", says Geert Dancet, the Executive Director of ECHA.
ECHA has expanded the "Chemicals in our Life" section in cooperation with industry and trade associations as well as environment and animal welfare organisations.
ECHA also launches its Facebook profile, which will further support awareness-raising on the safe use of chemicals among the general public.
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