Media Release - MINISTER DECLARES REVIEW OF FORMALDEHYDE

 

05 Mar 2002

 

The Minister for Health and Ageing has declared formaldehyde a priority existing chemical (PEC) for full assessment. The National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) will conduct the review.

The assessment will determine the risk of adverse effects to the environment, workers and the public in Australia, by identifying the health and environmental hazards of formaldehyde and the potential for exposure in Australia. Recommendations on ways to reduce any identified risks will be made.

Formaldehyde is widely used in Australia, mainly in resins during furniture and textile manufacturing and to a lesser extent as a preservative in cleaning and cosmetic products. It is also emitted as a result of industrial processes.

NICNAS is seeking information from anyone who may have information relevant to the assessment of formaldehyde. Information should be provided by 4 June 2002.

Companies who wish to manufacture or import formaldehyde during the period of the PEC review are required to apply to NICNAS, before 5 April 2002.

The full text of the notice of declaration, which was published in the Chemical Gazette today.
 

About NICNAS

The National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) operates under the Commonwealth Industrial Chemicals (Notification and Assessment) Act 1989.

NICNAS is a statutory scheme within the portfolio of the Minister for Health and Ageing. Its approach to the scientific assessment of chemicals covers toxicity, exposure and use to assess the environmental, public health and occupational health and safety risk. For more information see the web site www.nicnas.gov.au
 

Further information

Nick Miller, NICNAS, (02) 8577 8810 or 0407 228 285