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Czech Bans Sales of Washing Powders With High Volume Phosphates

Posted on: Tuesday, 21 February 2006, 09:00 CST

Czech bans sales of washing powders with high volume phosphates

PRAGUE, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Czech Environment Minister Libor Ambrozek Monday signed a decree that bans the sales of washing powders with a high volume of phosphates.

As from July 1, the production of washing powders in which phosphates contain over 0.5 percent of their weight will be prohibited. The ban on their sales will take effect as from October 1.

Until now, only a voluntary agreement, signed ten years ago, between the Environment Ministry and the producers limited the sales of phosphate-containing powders.

However, the producers who signed the agreement now control a markedly lower share of the market, while others have withdrawn from the agreement.

"It has turned out that the voluntary agreement is not effective and we therefore decided to secure the limitation through a decree," Ambrozek said.

Phosphates are responsible for 12.5 percent of the pollution of Czech rivers, streams and water reservoirs. Other pollutants are chemicals from artificial fertilizers or cleaning tablets used in dishwashers.

"A certain reduction has recently been registered in fertilizers. However, we cannot impose a ban on the tablets for dishwashers as there has not yet been any alternative to them," the minister said.

Common sewage plants do not remove phosphates from water. In rivers, phosphates may cause allergic reaction in some people.

Source: Xinhua News Agency - CEIS

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