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Review Identifies 18 Hazardous Substances For Reassessment
We
have identified the need for changes to the hazard
classifications of 18 substances, based on significant new
information we have identified or received. The substances
include pesticides, fumigants, veterinary medicines, and
cosmetics. Many ingredients in cosmetic products and
toiletries have hazardous properties. This includes those
that are “natural”, for example, essential
oils. Tea tree oil can cause skin and eye irritation.
However, there is no detail currently listed on how toxic it
is to breathe in. “Under these changes, an
inhalation warning would be added to the hazard
classification for tea tree oil. This would be primarily for
the benefit of manufacturers, who handle the substance in
large quantities,” says the EPA’s acting General Manager
of Hazardous Substances and New Organisms, Dr Clark
Ehlers. “Consumers, who generally only use a little
tea tree oil at a time, should not be concerned by the
proposed changes.” Reassessments are considered by a
decision-making committee, and involve taking another look
at already-approved substances. Establishing grounds
for reassessment is an administrative first step, and does
not involve detailed analysis. From here, a reassessment
application will follow, to make the required changes for
the 18 substances and more than 100 mixtures that contain
them. In this instance, the application would be for a
modified reassessment, which cannot revoke an existing
approval (or “ban” a substance). The aim is to ensure
that our hazard classifications are in line with others
internationally, and that risks are being managed
accordingly. Hazard classifications describe whether a
substance is explosive or flammable, for example, and its
human health and environmental effects. Any changes to
hazard classifications may also have an effect on the rules
that apply to the substances. Read
the full decision on grounds for reassessment Tea
tree oil is among a number of hazardous substances which
have met the criteria for reassessment by the Environmental
Protection Authority (EPA).
Find
out about the process for reassessing hazardous
substances
Get
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