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The Government today (September 22) announced a proposal to introduce mandatory registration and labelling requirements for specified products that may contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

"VOCs are used in a wide variety of products such as paints, printing inks, and common consumer goods such as personal care and car care goods. If released into the air, they would cause air pollution and high ozone concentration which will irritate our eyes and respiratory system," the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao said.

The proposed scheme, if implemented, will require all paints, printing inks, and selected consumer products to be properly tested and registered. They may be sold only with a label indicating their VOC contents and carrying the message that "VOCs Cause Air Pollution". Producers would also have to keep the sales record to facilitate the authorities to calculate the amount of VOCs emitted into air every year.

"The proposed scheme will enable consumers to make informed choices when purchasing products with VOC contents", Dr Liao said. "Using less VOC will help improve our air quality and reduce the harmful health impact caused by air pollution."

The Government will start a public consultation on the proposed scheme from now until the end of November. The relevant legislation is expected to come into force by the end of 2005, subject to the outcome of the consultation. The Government will review the need for further control on VOCs subject to the result of the current proposed measures.

To improve the air quality of the Pearl River Region, the governments of Hong Kong and Guangdong Province reached an agreement in April, 2002, to reduce by 2010 the regional emissions of four major air pollutants including VOC.

"Achieving the targets will significantly reduce the occurrence of smog in the region," Dr Liao said.

To take things forward, a Pearl River Delta Air Quality Management Plan was drawn up in December, 2003. Under the Plan, Hong Kong will take action to reduce the power plant emissions and the VOC emissions from a wide range of sources.

Guangdong has undertaken to implement a number of enhanced air pollution control measures to reduce emissions through the use of cleaner energy, controlling the sulphur content of fuels, reducing emissions from power stations, controlling emissions from industrial sources and motor vehicles as well as reducing the emissions from paints.

Views and comments on the proposed VOC scheme are welcome. The consultation document is available from various district offices and the Environmental Protection Department. It can also be viewed on the website http://voc.etwb.gov.hk.

Ends/Wednesday, September 22, 2004

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