ECHA Proposes Harmonised Classification, Labelling of More Chemical Substances
September 2, 2009 // Published as a news service by IHS
On Sept. 2, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published a public consultation on a proposal to harmonise the classification and labelling of three more chemical substances.
The Irish, French and Dutch authorities submitted comprehensive dossiers on these substances to ECHA and asked for their classification and labelling to be harmonised across the European Union (EU).
The substances in this new consultation are:
- Tris[2-chloro-1-(chloromethyl)ethyl] phosphate (TDCP) - Used as an additive flame retardant (it is physically combined with the material being treated rather than chemically combined). It is proposed to be classified as a category 3 carcinogen. Submitted by Ireland.
- Tetrahydrofuran - Used as a solvent or for synthesis (for example, with motor fuels, pharmaceuticals, synthetic perfumes and insecticides). It is proposed to be classified as a category 3 carcinogen for the following reasons: it is irritating to the eyes and the respiratory system; it is highly flammable; it may form explosive peroxides. Submitted by France.
- Abamectin (a combination of Avermectin B1a and Avermectin B1b) - Used as an insecticide and acaricide (a chemical that kills mites). It is proposed to be classified as category 3 for reproductive toxicity (posing a possible risk of harm to the unborn child); as very toxic when inhaled or swallowed; as toxic because of the danger of serious damage to health of prolonged exposure; and as very toxic to the aquatic environment. Abamectin has to have a harmonized classification because it is a pesticide active substance. Submitted by The Netherlands.
The public consultation on these proposals for harmonised classification and labelling can be accessed online on the ECHA web site. Comments are welcome on the proposal within the next 45 days. All comments will be taken into account in the subsequent decision-making process.
Background
ECHA manages compliance with the regulation for REACH - Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals - as well as the regulation for CLP - Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Chemical Substances and Mixtures - across the EU.
A proposal for harmonisation by ECHA is submitted to ECHA, along with a dossier that outlines the scientific reasons for making the request. ECHA receives these proposals and, together with its Committee for Risk Assessment, ensures that the dossier is complete and consistent. It then organizes a public consultation. Details of all the current proposals for consultation can be found on the ECHA web site.
The consultation period lasts for 45 days, after which ECHA forwards all comments received to the EU member state or industry that submitted the proposal, so that they can provide their responses.
Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).