GHS-Based Household Hazardous Product Label

Abstract

            Since Thailand has been enforcing Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals  (GHS) by relevant offices,  the Office of Food and Drug administration (FDA) has issued Announcement of Ministry of Public Health on Classification and Hazard Communication of Hazardous Substances under control of  the Office of Food and Drug administration  (2015). This Announcement has published in government gazette on 19 March 2015 and effective after that day. The transition periods of GHS-based labelling were 1 and 5 years for substances and mixture, respectively.

            From the results of comprehensibility testing of GHS-based household hazardous product labels, the consumers had comments that some pictograms were ambiguous, in other words, they needed to be adapted in accordance with the hazard contents.  Chemical hazard statements and precautionary statements should be clear, concise, and understandable.  Label size should be suitable to product size. All label information should be noticeable, and readable. Label should be prominently colorful, and attractive. Therefore, the relevant offices should campaign in order to make all consumers comprehend and read the product label with awareness of chemical physical, health, and environmental hazards. Moreover, the label makers or the product owners should be made aware of consumers’ safety and they need to prepare their product labels in accordance with GHS.