RAC adopts opinions on the classification of four chemicals

ECHA/NA/10/28
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Media enquiries: ECHA Press

The Committee for Risk Assessment has adopted opinions on harmonised classification of four industrial chemical substances across Europe.

Helsinki, 27 May 2010 – The scientific opinions of the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) concern the following four proposals for harmonised classification and labelling (CLH):

Gallium arsenide
Gallium arsenide is currently classified for acute toxicity and aquatic hazards by a general entry for arsenic compounds.

RAC agreed with the proposal from France to classify gallium arsenide for reproductive toxicity and carcinogenicity. However, based on the information available for other arsenic compounds, RAC recommended a more severe classification for carcinogenicity than that initially proposed by France.

Gallium arsenide is mainly used in the microelectronics industry.

THF (tetrahydrofuran)
THF is currently classified at EU level for physical hazards, irritation to eyes and respiratory system.

RAC agreed with the proposal from France to also classify THF for carcinogenicity.

THF is used in industry as solvent, as a glue and for synthesis of a range of chemical products and in many products available to the general public.

Cryolites, synthetic and natural
Cryolites are currently classified at EU level for acute oral, acute inhalation and specific target organ toxicity and for aquatic hazards.

RAC agreed with the proposals from Germany to de-classify cryolites for acute oral toxicity while maintaining the other hazard classes. In contrast, RAC considered the available evidence insufficient for supporting the German proposals to additionally classify cryolites for eye irritation and reproductive toxicity.

Cryolites are mainly used in the aluminium production.