University of Applied Sciences, Ulm, Germany.
Integr Environ Assess Manag. 2013 Jul;9(3):358-62. doi: 10.1002/ieam.1397. Epub 2013 Apr 18.
Contact allergy is a global health problem that could be alleviated considerably if the general public could reduce contact to sensitizers. Efficient hazard communication would be a valuable instrument to achieve this. What do current regulations concerning fragrance sensitizers in cosmetic products in Europe contribute? For example, there are bans and restrictions according to the Cosmetic Regulation, there is the "26 allergens rule" that requires that the names of some allergenic fragrance ingredients are listed on the containers, there is labeling and classification of hazardous products according to Regulation 1272/2008, and there is the regulation concerning the registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemicals (REACH). Do these regulations increase consumer protection by suitable hazard communication instruments? Four main problems were identified. First, according to the 26 allergens rule, consumers carry a very large part of the responsibility for risk reduction management. They need to be capable and motivated to recognize the names of strong allergens listed in the ingredient list and decide for themselves whether they want to run the risk or not, provided that they are aware of their responsibility. Second, cosmetic products do not need to be classified and labeled like other consumer goods, according to the European Commission Regulation 1272/2008, if they contain hazardous substances. Third, some pictograms for hazardous substances, for example, the exclamation mark for sensitizers, are not well understood by the majority of the general public. Fourth, very often, the design of cosmetic containers implies health and well being, even if the respective products contain sensitizers or other hazardous substances. Against this background, the following improvements are proposed: 1) the 26 allergens rule needs revision, 2) the exception for cosmetic products from labeling and classification should be abolished, 3) a new self-explanatory pictogram for skin sensitizers and skin irritants should become mandatory for consumer products containing allergens, and 4) packaging of products containing hazardous substances should not be allowed to be attractive and evoke feelings that the products were harmless. Labeling of consumer products can be a very efficient tool for risk communication, however, the addressees must be sufficiently trained to understand the system and know the consequences of their behavior. Transparent labeling will increase the credibility of manufacturers and can lead to a subsequent improved risk management with a benefit for all stakeholders.
接触过敏是一个全球性的健康问题，如果公众能够减少接触致敏物，这个问题可以得到很大程度的缓解。有效的危险沟通将是实现这一目标的宝贵工具。目前欧洲有关化妆品中香料致敏原的法规有何贡献？例如，根据《化妆品法规》，有禁令和限制；根据“26 种过敏原规则”，一些致敏香料成分的名称必须列在容器上；根据第 1272/2008 号法规，对危险产品进行标签和分类；以及有关化学品注册、评估、授权和限制的法规（REACH）。这些法规是否通过适当的危险沟通工具增加了消费者保护？确定了四个主要问题。首先，根据“26 种过敏原规则”，消费者在减少风险管理方面承担了很大一部分责任。他们需要有能力和动力去识别成分清单中列出的强过敏原名称，并自行决定是否要冒险，前提是他们意识到自己的责任。其次，如果化妆品含有危险物质，根据欧盟委员会第 1272/2008 号法规，它们不需要像其他消费品那样进行分类和标签。第三，一些危险物质的象形图，例如致敏物的感叹号，大多数公众并不理解。第四，非常常见的是，即使化妆品容器包含致敏物或其他有害物质，其设计也暗示着健康和幸福。在此背景下，提出了以下改进措施：1）修订“26 种过敏原规则”；2）取消化妆品产品免于标签和分类的例外；3）对于含有过敏原的消费品，必须强制使用新的、自我解释的皮肤致敏物和皮肤刺激物象形图；4）不允许含有有害物质的产品包装具有吸引力并引起产品无害的感觉。消费品标签可以是风险沟通的非常有效的工具，但是，收件人必须接受足够的培训，以了解该系统并了解其行为的后果。透明标签将提高制造商的可信度，并可以导致随后的风险改善管理，使所有利益相关者受益。
