The Ministry of Environment issued on February 14^th, 2007 a Draft Notification of

 Restricted and Banned Chemicals for discussion and consultation.

Substances contained in the Draft Notification are as follows:

•Phthalate esters in children's PVC toys and intravenous bags

•Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) used as a chemical wood preservative

•Formaldehyde from new furniture, carpets, and wall partitions, which is the culprit of sick house syndrome

•Lead in children's toys

•Nonylphenols in detergents, ink, and paint, which are reported to disrupt endocrine function

•White asbestos used in manufacture of cement-based products and in friction products such as clutch facings, and brake linings for automobiles

These substances are identified as hazardous chemicals which potentially cause cancer or may act as an endocrine disruptor.

After the process of consultation and discussion, the final Notification will come into force in the second half of 2007 at the latest. Penalties for violation are not more than five years in prison or a fine of not more than KRW5,000.

- The Source from "Ministry of Environment" -