New guidance for the risk assessment of enzyme-containing consumer products
A.I.S.E. and the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) have taken a significant step forward in promoting the responsible use of enzymes with the release of a new guidance document on risk characterisation in the development of consumer products containing enzymes. This information is used to develop an appropriate risk management strategy that avoids unacceptable risks to the user of enzyme-containing products.
Enzymes are proteins that catalyse reactions. They have the potential to improve efficiencies and provide previously unavailable product benefits. In recent years, the use of enzyme-containing products has increased significantly and the number of applications in which enzymes are being incorporated continues to expand. Enzymes generally have good safety profiles. However enzymes, like many other proteins, can act as allergens and induce the production of enzyme-specific IgE antibodies upon repeated exposure, primarily via inhalation or exposure to mucous membranes that may lead to allergy symptoms, including asthma.
The new publication describes the potential health hazards of enzymes present in consumer products and provide a framework for manufacturers of these products to conduct risk assessments to help ensure the safety of new products containing enzymes. Experience in the cleaning products industry demonstrates that the potential risk of adverse effects can be successfully managed by identifying the hazards to be managed, carefully assessing exposure, characterising the risk and then applying appropriate risk management. If the risks are not managed appropriately, the consequences may spread beyond a single product or company. This could lead to unwarranted limitations on the use of enzyme technology in other consumer applications. Therefore, it is recommended that companies using enzymes consider how they are managing enzyme safety, including the conduct of appropriate risk assessments and risk management programs.
Read more about the industry’s engagement on the safe use of enzymes in cleaning and maintenance products.
Read and download the guidance below: