The study assessed the level of knowledge regarding biocides in consumer products within three stakeholder groups; importing companies, municipalities and consumers. Importer representatives of five product categories were interviewed. Questionnaires were sent to the environment and consumer advice offices of Swedish municipalities and to representatives from two consumer organisations. Twelve out of thirty companies reported not to import biocide treated products, and most of them considered this an informed, conscious decision. In municipalities, the environment respondents were generally aware about biocides in consumer products and associated risks, while consumer advisers had less knowledge. Both groups stated that little effort was directed to the issue in their municipalities. Consumer organisation respondents were more knowledgeable, and worked to educate consumers about biocides.

biocides; consumer products; knowledge