Analysis of methylene chloride product labelling

Abstract

From 1988, certain consumer products that contained the chemical methylene chloride (DCM) were required to display precautionary labelling, warning consumers of potential health hazards. To determine the effect of this labelling requirement, a survey of consumer use behaviour was conducted. Where possible, this survey paralleled an earlier 1986 study of DCM use practices. Results of the post-labelling study showed that while fewer customers reported reading the product labels, many precautionary behaviours increased. A small proportion of users reported altering their behaviour in response to reading on-product instructions. The relationship between the extent of label reading and precautionary behaviour was complex. After controlling for differences in product familiarity, significant linear relationships between the extent to which the label was read and the likelihood of utilizing certain ventilation techniques were observed for infrequent users of some products.

Keywords:

• Labelling
• Methylene chloride
• Precautionary behaviour
• Ventilation
• Cancer.