The Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) has adopted four opinions on proposals for the harmonised classification and labelling of industrial chemicals and pesticide active substances across Europe.
Helsinki, 13 March 2012 - RAC opinions on harmonised classification and labelling:
Proquinazid
During its 20th meeting held from 6 to 9 March 2012, RAC agreed with the proposal from the UK to classify Proquinazid as a suspected human carcinogen and hazardous for the aquatic environment.
The classification and labelling of Proquinazid had so far not been harmonised at EU level.
Proquinazid is a fungicide.
Amidosulfuron
RAC agreed with the proposal from Austria to classify amidosulfuron as hazardous for the aquatic environment. However, for chronic aquatic toxicity RAC recommended an M-factor of 100 instead of 10 as was proposed by the dossier submitter.
The classification and labelling of this substance had so far not been harmonised at EU level.
Amidosulfuron is used as a herbicide.
Tebufenpyrad
RAC agreed with the proposal from Germany to classify Tebufenpyrad as acutely toxic through both the oral and inhalation routes, as sensitising to skin and hazardous to the aquatic environment. RAC additionally agreed that Tebufenpyrad should be classified as toxic through repeated exposure.
The classification and labelling of Tebufenpyrad had so far not been harmonised at EU level.
Tebufenpyrad is mainly used as a horticultural acaricide.
1,1',1''-nitrilotripropan-2-ol (TIPA)
TIPA already has a harmonised classification as hazardous for the aquatic environment and eye irritant. RAC agreed with the proposal from Germany to remove the classification as hazardous for the aquatic environment.
TIPA is used in industrial settings as an intermediate, as a processing aid for paper, textiles and leather, as gas treatment and as an additive in concrete and cement, in plastics and in fuels. It is further used in metal working fluids, in coatings and adhesives, in detergents and cleaners, in wood protection formulations, in personal care products and in laboratory chemicals.
Further information
- The opinions will be available at the following link in the near future:
http://echa.europa.eu/web/guest/opinions-of-the-committee-for-risk-assessment-on-proposals-for-harmonised-classification-and-labelling
Background information
The role of RAC in EU regulatory processes:
RAC is responsible for preparing the opinion of the Agency on applications for authorisation, proposals for restrictions and proposals for harmonised classification and labelling. RAC also prepares opinions on specific questions relating to the risks of chemicals to human health or the environment and on any other aspects concerning the safety of substances at the Executive Director's request. The final decision for proposals for harmonised classification and labelling, for proposals for restrictions as well as on applications for authorisation will be taken by the European Commission through a committee procedure.
Further information about RAC is available on the ECHA website at the link below:
http://echa.europa.eu/web/guest/about-us/who-we-are/committee-for-risk-assessment