Study shows how to label hazard products

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This week a new study provides insights on how to further improve hazard communication to EU citizens. It highlights the following key points: - Awareness amongst the general public of the new international hazard labels which appear on the packaging of chemical substances is mostly low but consumers rarily purchase these chemicals, the labels are relatively new and awareness will surely grow. However, work is needed at national, industry and EU level both to raise awareness and, crucially, understanding of what the labels mean. - The perception of hazardousness varies between countries as well as between specific sub-groups of the general public. Awareness-raising activities therefore need to address national hazard perception patterns as well as the differing approaches to hazards exhibited by specific audiences such as families, single households, workers, school children, etc. - Most people make their choices on the safe use and storage of household chemical products on the basis of their acquaintance with the product as well as other emotional drivers which rely more on experience than on information found on the package. Awareness-raising activities therefore also need to take into account these emotional and expereince-based drivers. - A further analysis of the impact of the hazard labels on EU citizens’ behaviour and understanding could be useful after 2015 – the date by which new labels must have replaced the old ones on all chemical mixtures like paint and glues for example.