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RAC concludes on six scientific opinions

RAC concludes on six scientific opinions

ECHA/NA/13/31

The Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) adopted six opinions for harmonised classification and labelling (CLH)

Helsinki, 17 September 2013

 

Pyridaben

Pyridaben is used as an insecticide and acaricide.

Pyridaben already has harmonised minimum (‘asterisk') classifications in Annex VI to the CLP Regulation for acute toxicity, i.e. as toxic if inhaled and as harmful if in contact with skin. It also has a harmonised classification as very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.

RAC agreed with the proposal by the Netherlands to classify pyridaben as toxic if inhaled and if swallowed (Acute Tox. 3). RAC also agreed to assign an M-factor of 1 000, for both acute and chronic effects to the aquatic environment.

Dodemorph

Dodemorph is used as an active substance in plant protection products.

Dodemorph already has a harmonised classification in Annex VI to the CLP Regulation as a skin and eye irritant, as a respiratory tract irritant and as toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.

RAC agreed to the proposal by the Netherlands to classify dodemorph as a substance that is suspected of damaging the unborn child (Repr. 2; H361d) and as very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. In addition, RAC agreed to assign an M-factor of 1 for both acute and chronic effects to the aquatic environment. RAC did not agree with the proposal from the Netherlands to remove the harmonised classifications as a skin and eye irritant and as an irritant to the respiratory tract from Annex VI, but agreed to classify dodemorph as a substance which causes severe skin burns and eye damage (Skin Corr. 1C), which may damage the liver through prolonged or repeated exposure (STOT RE 2) and which is sensitising to skin (Skin Sens. 1A). RAC also agreed to label the substance as corrosive to the respiratory tract (EUH071).

Dodemorph acetate

Dodemorph acetate is used as an active substance in plant protection products.

The classification and labelling of dodemorph acetate has not yet been harmonised at EU level.

RAC agreed to the proposal by the Netherlands to classify dodemorph acetate as a substance that is suspected of damaging the unborn child (Repr. 2; H361d), as sensitising to skin (Skin Sens. 1A), as causing severe skin burns and eye damage (Skin Corr. 1C) and as very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (Aquatic Chronic 1) with an M-factor of 1. In addition, RAC agreed to classify dodemorph acetate as a substance which may damage the liver through prolonged or repeated exposure (STOT RE 2), and to label the substance as corrosive to the respiratory tract (EUH071).

Imidazole

Imidazole is used as an intermediate in manufacturing of other substances.

The classification and labelling of imidazole has not yet been harmonised at EU level.

RAC agreed to the proposal by an industry dossier submitter to classify imidazole as a substance that is suspected of damaging the unborn child (Repr. 1B; H360D), as harmful if swallowed (Acute Tox. 4) and as causing severe skin burns and eye damage (Skin Corr. 1C).

Spirotetramat

Spirotetramat is used as an insecticide.

The classification and labelling of spirotetramat has not yet been harmonised at EU level.

RAC agreed to the proposal by Austria to classify spirotetramat for eye irritation (Eye Irrit. 2) and as very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects with an M-factor of 1 for both acute and chronic effects to the aquatic environment. RAC also agreed with Austria to classify the substance as a skin sensitiser assigning it into sub-category 1A to reflect the high potency of the substance (Skin Sens. 1A). Regarding reproductive toxicity, RAC agreed to the proposal by Austria to classify spirotetramat as a substance that is suspected of damaging fertility and the unborn child (Repr. 2; H361fd). In addition, RAC agreed to classify the substance for respiratory tract irritation (STOT SE 3).

1,2-Epoxybutane

1,2-Epoxybutane is used as an intermediate for the synthesis of other substances and as a monomer in polymerisation processes.

1,2-Epoxybutane already has a harmonised classification in Annex VI to the CLP Regulation for physical and human health hazards as well as being harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.

RAC agreed to the proposal by Germany to remove the harmonised classification as harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.

 

Further information

The opinions will be available at the following links in the near future:

CLH opinions

Background information

The role of RAC in EU regulatory processes

The Committee 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 related 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