Chemicals in Household Products: Problems with Solutions |
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Authors: | Gillian A Glegg Jonathan P Richards |
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Institution: | (1) The Marine Institute, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon, UK, PL4 8AA |
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Abstract: | The success of a regulatory regime in decreasing point-source emissions of some harmful chemicals has highlighted the significance
of other sources. A growing number of potentially harmful chemicals have been incorporated into an expanding range of domestic
household products and are sold worldwide. Tighter regulation has been proposed, and the European Commission has introduced
the Regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, and Authorisation of Chemicals to address this concern. However, it is clear
that in addition to the regulation, there is a potential to effect change through retailer and consumer attitudes and behaviours.
Interviews were conducted with 7 key stakeholder groups to identify critical issues, which were then explored using a public
survey questionnaire (1,008 respondents) and 8 subsequent focus groups. The findings demonstrated that the issue of chemicals
in products is of concern to consumers for reasons of personal health rather than environmental protection. Key obstacles
to the wider purchase of “green-alternative” products included perceived high cost and poor performance, lack of availability
of products, and poor information concerning such products. Although improved regulation was seen as part of the solution,
consumers must also play a role. It was clear from this study that consumers are not currently able to make informed choices
about the chemicals they use but that they would be receptive to moving toward a more sustainable use of chemicals in the
future if empowered to do so. |
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Keywords: | Chemicals regulation Environmental pollution Green consumer Household products Water quality |
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