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RAC agrees on two opinions on occupational exposure and on 11 harmonised classification cases
ECHA/NA/17/15
The Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) has for the first time adopted scientific opinions on occupational exposure for two substances: MOCA and for arsenic acid and its inorganic compounds. RAC adopted 10 opinions on harmonised classification and labelling and additionally agreed on the classification of titanium dioxide. The committee also agreed on 14 draft opinions and adopted one final opinion on applications for authorisation.
Helsinki, 14 June 2017 – At the request of ECHA’s Executive Director, RAC drew up an opinion on the evaluation of the scientific relevance of the occupational exposure for MOCA and for arsenic acid and its inorganic salts. More details on the adopted opinions are available at the link below.
RAC continued its discussion on titanium dioxide, which had started in March this year. The committee concluded that the available scientific evidence meets the criteria in the CLP Regulation to classify titanium dioxide as a substance suspected of causing cancer through the inhalation route (Carc. 2; H351 (inhalation)). The opinion will be formally adopted later by written procedure or at the September meeting.
The committee also adopted 10 opinions on harmonised classification and labelling proposals.
RAC continued their work on 12 applications for authorisation. The committee agreed on 14 draft opinions on specific uses of chromium (VI) substances, 1,2-dichloroethane (EDC), bis(2-methoxyethyl) ether (diglyme) and 2,2’-dichloro-4,4’-methylenedianiline (MOCA). The draft opinions will be sent to the applicants for comments before final adoption.
The committee also finalised its work on one further application for authorisation by adopting the opinion on the use of diglyme as a process solvent in the manufacturing of an intermediate for an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).
More details on the final opinions related to applications for authorisation and on the adopted opinions on harmonised classification and labelling proposals are available in the annex below.
Further information
- Annex to news alert (14 June 2017) [PDF]
- Press release 9 June 2017 “Titanium dioxide proposed to be classified as suspected of causing cancer when inhaled”
At the request of ECHA's Executive Director:
- RAC opinions on occupational exposure limit for MOCA
- RAC opinions on occupational exposure limit for arsenic acid and its inorganic compounds
The opinions will be available on RAC's and SEAC’s web pages in the near future
Background information
The role of RAC in EU regulatory processes
RAC and SEAC are 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 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:
Background information
Role of SEAC in EU regulatory processes
SEAC is responsible for preparing the opinion of the Agency on applications for authorisation and proposals for restrictions. SEAC also prepares opinions on specific questions relating to socio-economic issues and on any other aspects concerning the safety of substances on their own, in preparations or in articles at the Executive Director's request. The final decision 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 SEAC is available on the ECHA website at the link below: