Thailand updated its list of hazardous substances used in households at the end of 2012, reclassifying several chemicals. This update took effect immediately.
One of the changes is the addition of the pesticide lindane to the national list of Category 4 substances, which prohibits its production, import, export, or use.
Other changes include:
– Citronella oil has been changed from Category II to Category I in the list of substances.
– Anionic surfactants are classified as Category I;
– Except for nonylphenol thoxylates, which are classified as Category I, all nonionic surfactants are classified as Category I.
Thailand's Hazardous Substances Act classifies hazardous substances into four categories. Substances in Category 1 only require monitoring and do not need registration. However, production information must still be reported to the government. Business operators must comply with certain standards and procedures, including labeling, production, and storage regulations. Examples of hazardous substances include cleaning products containing anionic or nonionic surfactants (excluding nonylphenol polyoxyethylene ether); adhesives containing alkyl cyanoacrylate; and swimming pool disinfectants containing calcium hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite, dichloroisocyauric acid and its salts, or trichloroisocyauric acid and its salts.
In addition to being monitored and controlled, Category II substances also require product registration with the government. Production, import, export, or storage must be reported to the government. Household insecticides or insect repellents fall into this category.
The third category of substances is subject to stricter controls. In addition to product registration, licenses are required for production, import, export, and storage. This category includes household insecticides containing chlorpyrifos or pyrethroids; as well as cleaning products or disinfectants containing acids, alkalis, or aldehydes.
Category 4 substances are prohibited from production, import, export, or use due to their high risk to human health and the environment. These substances include DDT, chlordane, and dieldrin.
Thailand's Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, and Ministry of Public Health jointly oversee the control of hazardous substances.
Sources: Chemical Watch (2013-01-29) (Compiled by PIDC)
Thai Health Promotion Foundation (Thai)
