Chris Pearce, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, has welcomed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) announcement earlier today regarding the testing of residual formaldehyde in clothing.
“The ACCC plays a key role in regulating the safety of consumer products sold in Australia. The announcement that the ACCC is testing for residual formaldehyde in clothing is evidence of the important role it plays on behalf of Australia’s 21 million consumers,” said Mr Pearce.
Formaldehyde is used in the manufacturing process for clothing and other textiles.
“The ACCC is working with the Department of Health and Ageing and seeking other expert advice on an appropriate maximum permissible level of formaldehyde in clothing and textiles. In the meantime, it has announced that the European Union benchmark for permissible amounts of formaldehyde in clothing and fabrics will be used,” said Mr Pearce.
The ACCC has advised that, if consumers are concerned about residual formaldehyde, they should wash or clean the garments following the manufacturers’ instructions and thoroughly air the garments before they are worn.
MELBOURNE
23 August 2007
Contact: Conor O'Brien (03) 9887 3890 or 0402 970 515