8.2.0 Introductie

When your child plays with an innocent plastic duck in the bathtub, do you ever consider that it might be dangerous to the health of your child? Probably not. The producer of this ' sweet' and ' innocent' toy probably did not mention that it used a chemical substance called ' phthalates' in order to make these types of plastic products softer. This substance is known to be a widespread contam-inator of the global environment: it is a toxic chemical which disturbs the reproductive and hormonal systems of animals.1 Knowing this, you would probably think twice before buying a plastic duck for your child.

Consumers have a right to know about any hazardous substances that can affect their health and the environment. Companies have a duty to warn them that a growing number of health problems, such as allergies, lower fertility, cancer and children's underdevelopment, are caused or are influenced by chemicals released into the environment. This right to information has been acknowledged by REACH. 'REACH' stands for: "Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical substances".