Advertisement surveillance for swimming pool chemicals commercialized over the Internet

Abstract

Introduction: Communication of hazards related to chemical products is an essential aspect for improving customer confidence in electronic commerce. Objective: To examine the regulated hazard statements for swimming pool chemicals advertised and sold to the public over the Internet. Methodology: We randomly selected 40 hazardous chemicals for swimming pools sold in online stores over the Internet. Data were captured from 8 different companies’ websites with headquarters in Andalusia (Spain). Results: Chemical advertisements without visible hazard statements were predominant (n = 25). In all cases, hazard statements on product labels displayed on the websites were illegible. Only 3 chemical products showed codes and visible hazard statements on their website. Conclusion: The protection of e-commerce consumers and customers concerning chemical safety could be compromised due to the lack of relevant information about selling hazardous products over the Internet.

Keywords

• comunicación en salud
• productos químicos peligrosos
• etiquetado de productos
• publicidad
• seguridad
• piscinas
• comercio
• salud pública