Bad chemistry campaign

You don’t need a doctorate in chemistry to see there’s something wrong with regulation of chemicals in Australia.
 
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  • Updated:11 Jan 2010
 

01.Consumer chemistry set

Strawberries

With an election just around the corner, what do we want from the federal government when it comes to chemicals?

The past year has seen choice uncover more than a handful of unfinished business for nanotechnology, pesticide and plastics regulation in Australia. Risky plastic packaging, undeclared and safety unproven nanometals, old risky pesticides like endosulfan, roach bait ingredients that are banned overseas.

A consumer friendly chemicals policy would:

NANOTECH

  • Require labelling of consumer products that have nanomaterials in them, so consumers are given the right to choose.
  • Make the roll-out of nanomaterials evidence-based - with materials proven safe before being let into the market.

PLASTICS

  • Phase-out unnecessary uses of risky plastics like PVC and Polycarbonate in children's products and food packaging.
  • Require labelling of all plastics so consumers are given the right to choose.

PESTICIDES

  • Reform and adequately fund the APVMA so it works for the public, not the chemicals industry.
  • Review with modern science old chemicals and ones banned in countries similar to Australia.

Have your say 

What would you add to our consumer chemistry set? Have your say: email us at campaigns@choice.com.au or write to CHOICE Campaigns, 57 Carrington Road Marrickville NSW 2204. 

 
 

 
 
 

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