In February 2004, Japan's Ministry of the Environment (MOE) conducted an online questionnaire to determine consumers' awareness of chemical hazard labeling and the influence of this kind of labeling on their purchasing behavior. The survey was carried out as part of a joint research project with Tottori University of Environmental Studies, and a total of 1,039 people responded.

As for the hazard labeling of commodities, 54.1 percent of the respondents said, "hazard labeling is necessary but the current method needs to be improved," while 41.3 percent replied, "labeling is necessary and the current method is satisfactory." As for the problem with the current method, 54.4 percent answered, "the indications on the label are incomprehensible."

Asked about their purchasing behavior in relation to chemical hazard labeling, over 70 percent of the respondents said that they would "reduce their purchase or use of goods" when the label indicated a higher hazard. The majority of the respondents also said that "the amount they would buy or use would remain unchanged" when the label indicated a lower hazard.

In relation to introduction of the "Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals" (GHS), as called for in a United Nations resolution in July 2003, the questionnaire asked what kind of information consumers would expect on labels. About 70 percent agreed on "safe and proper directions for use."

In view of these survey results, the MOE intends to work actively towards prompt implementation of the GHS in cooperation with other concerned government ministries and agencies.




Posted: 2004/07/07 12:22:05 PM
Japanese version

TAG Chemicals , Government , NGO/Citizen , Other , System/Law , University/Research institute