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The meaning of H and P phrases on the label
For a few years now, H and P phrases have appeared on the label, replacing the letters R (risk), S (safety), H (danger) and P (precaution). These are standardized and numbered sentences; this way, whether you speak a language or not, you can find the danger and the right precaution in your own language via the number.
H-phrases include physical hazards, such as: exploding or highly flammable substances. Health hazards (eye irritation, skin irritation or when something is possibly carcinogenic) and environmental hazards (if it poses an acute danger to aquatic organisms or has a long-term danger) can also be considered.
The P-phrases mainly provide information about the (precautionary) measures that must be taken when using 1 substance or product for prevention; and then in the event of an accident or during storage and disposal.
The most extensively tested fabrics
The H-phrases are determined on the basis of research (animal experiments and/or cell culture experiments). This research is carried out as standard for the active substances in the crop protection products. The active substances in the crop protection products are the most extensively tested substances on the market.
The substances that we use in daily life are therefore less extensively tested; Think for example of caffeine (coffee, tea) and alcoholic drinks. Even if sufficient research is carried out into these substances, these substances will not receive H and P sentences. This is because they fall under different legislation.
many similarities
There are 62 different H phrases and many of these phrases are similar, making it difficult to tell the difference at times. An example of this is:
- Suspected of causing cancer.
- Can cause cancer.
With 'may cause cancer' there is evidence (from animal studies or humans) that the substance is carcinogenic. The phrase 'suspected of causing cancer' means that there is not enough evidence that this substance is a fully conclusive carcinogen, or that it cannot be completely ruled out. This is because, for example, this has been demonstrated for substances with a related structure.
Risk is the hazard times the exposure
What does such a phrase on the label mean? Is there a risk to the person using the product? Risk is determined by the 'danger' of an active substance or product (H-phrase) and the exposure to it. The substance can be dangerous, but when there is little exposure it can still be used safely. Only if the risk is acceptable is an authorization granted.
The Board for the Authorization of Plant Protection Products and Biocides (Ctgb) indicates for the Netherlands whether a product has an acceptable risk with a certain label. This means that if you deviate from the label, it cannot be guaranteed that this will not have any consequences for your health or the environment; this applies to both chemical and biological agents. Biological products often have few H-phrases, but here too, if you do not comply with the label, the exposure may be too high and the product is therefore no longer safe (and therefore an increased risk of undesirable effects occurring with people or the environment).
Compare with daily life
Alcohol and sunlight can both cause cancer (and should therefore have an H-statement). As long as we ensure that we expose ourselves to a limited extent (P-sentence) to these influences, the chance (risk) of cancer developing is small.
This also applies to traffic: a car/train/plane is in principle fatal (H-phrase). To prevent this, we have all agreed (traffic) rules together. That is why we use the potentially dangerous means of transport many times every day; as long as we stick to the rules, the risk of something happening to us is small!
