Brazil's Economic Development Commission (CDE) of the Chamber of Deputies approved a bill that prohibits the commercialisation of recreational foam sprays on 4 August, reported CE NoticiasFinancieras.
The veto outlined within Bill No. 1,634/19 covers the production and import of these aerosols, which are known as "carnival foam" due to their prominent use in carnival festivities.
The foam had already been flagged by doctors, who have warned of the risks from careless use of the product. The spray can cause eye damage, skin irritation and, if inhaled, could lead to respiratory failure.
In addition, because the cans contain elements such as propellant gas, they are flammable.
These risks were given as the main reasons that led to the approval of the bill banning the marketing of the foam.
"The use of such carnival foams is a recurring concern among allergy specialists," explained Deputy Mário Heringer (PDT-MG), author of the proposal, within the text. " There is a consensus among researchers in the field to recognise the allergenic potential, at topical and systemic levels, of the propellant gases used in aerosol festive foams, especially if exposed directly to epithelial tissue in the sun. No wonder the manufacturer itself warns of the risks of exposure to the product."
The text also states that non-compliance with the new standard will constitute a health infraction, subject to the sanctions provided for in the respective legislation, without prejudice to criminal and civil liability.
The ban will not cover food products, shaving foams and other expandable foams, such as polyurethane, with wide application in industry and construction.
The proposal is being processed conclusively and, after approval by the CDE, is going on to be analysed by the Health and Constitution and Justice and Citizenship committees.
Brazil looks to ban “carnival foam”
