The smartphone app, Scan4Chem developed by the EU LIFE project AskREACH, coordinated by ERGO partner, Umweltbundesamt (UBA), is now made available for consumers in Europe.
Substances of very high concern (SVHCs) are chemicals that are carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic to reproduction or particularly harmful to the environment. The Scan4Chem app allows consumers to scan the barcodes of products such as toys, sports articles, furniture, electrical appliances, clothing, etc., to obtain information about the SVHCs in the product. Once the barcode is scanned by the app it automatically sends an inquiry to the responsible producer or importer, making the companies aware that you do not want to use products that contain SVHCs.
This app enables consumers to identify and avoid products containing SVHCs, aiding better informed purchasing decisions and sending a clear message to producers that consumers don’t want to buy products that contain these harmful chemicals.
The app is available in 14 European countries and will be distributed throughout Europe.
For more information visit:
https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/en/topics/chemicals/reach-what-is-it/reach-for-consumers