New rules for chemicals may reduce household mishaps
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* Ken Kilpatrick

Tough new packaging and labelling requirements for consumer products such as cleansers are expected to reduce the number of chemical-related mishaps in Canada and save the health care system about $10 million a year.

The Consumer Chemicals and Containers Regulations, which were approved Oct. 1, call for leak-proof containers, more child-resistant packaging and extensive information on hazards. “The old regulations were based on outdated science from the '70s and there were too many products falling through the holes,” says Paul Chowhan, scientific project officer at Health Canada's Consumer Products Safety Bureau.

The new rules take effect Sept. 30, 2003, and apply to all potentially hazardous consumer products, including some plumbing supplies. They don't apply to workplace and pest-control products, foods, drugs or cosmetics.

Every product will be placed in 1 of 5 new product hazard categories: toxic, corrosive, flammable, quick skin-bonding adhesives and pressurized containers. Consumers won't see a huge difference in product labelling — the hazard symbols will look the same — but new data such as treatment information will have to be displayed prominently.

Most of the injuries to children under age 5 result from ingesting products; inhalation of harmful vapours from solvents, contact adhesives or spray paints are among the main causes of adult injuries.

There are an estimated 50 000 incidents involving consumer chemical products in Canada every year, and they result either in injury or illness that requires medical attention, or in property damage of $50 or more. Health Canada estimates that they lead to $628 million in medical and social costs each year; the changes are expected to reduce these by $9.9 million.

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