Slags, ferronickel-manufg.

Endpoint summary

Description of key information

The in vivo Acute Eye Irritation/Corrosion test (OECD 405) and the Acute Dermal Irritation/Corrosion test (OECD 404) showed no significant signs of irritation, therefore there is no need for classification of the substance. The tests were performed on the grade of the slag with the highest concentration of Calcium Oxide, a substance classified as skin irritant and damaging to eyes. Since no effects, sufficient for classification, were observed during the experiments, all the grades of the substance are to be considered non-irritant.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Skin irritation / corrosion

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

no adverse effect observed (not irritating)

Eye irritation

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

no adverse effect observed (not irritating)

Respiratory irritation

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

no adverse effect observed (not irritating)

Additional information

Two grades of slag are considered for the purposes of the registration dossier, Electric Arc Furnace slag (EFS) and Converter Slag (CS). Both contain high levels of iron oxides, but CS contains higher amounts of the skin irritant Calcium Oxide and of metallic nickel. EFS contains higher levels of silicon dioxide, which has, however, been proven to be amorphous after XRD analysis with Rietveld quantitative phase analysis. Additionaly, no hexavalent Cr was detected after alkaline digestion (EPA method 3060A) and colorimetric analysis in various grades of Ferronickel slags from different production facilities (EPA method 7196A). It is therefore considered that CS is capable of producing stronger toxicological responses and this quality has been used as the test substance, whenever a test was identified to be required. Results obtained with CS can be safely considered valid for EFS as well.

For the acute dermal irritation test:

The test for acute dermal irritation/corrosion for the substance is performed on the rabbit. Under the conditions of the study, the single dermal application of the test item Slags, ferronickel-manufg./Electric Furnace Slag/ Converter Slag to rabbits at a dose of 0.5 g showed neither irritant nor corrosive effects. Neither mortalities nor significant clinical signs of toxicity were observed.

In conformity with the EC criteria for classification and labelling requirements for dangerous substances and preparations according to Annex VI of Commission Directive 2001/59/EC and Annex I of Regulation (EC) 1272/2008, the test item Slags, ferronickel-manufg./Electric Furnace Slag/ Converter Slag does not have to be classified and has no obligatory labelling requirement for skin irritation.

For the acute eye irritation/corrosion test:

Under the conditions of the study, a single ocular application of the test item Slags, ferronickel-manufg. / Electric Furnace Slag / Converter Slag to rabbits at a dose of 0.1 g produced slightly irritant effects, which were fully reversible within 48 and 72 hours after the application. Neither mortalities nor significant clinical signs of toxicity were observed.

In conformity with the EC criteria for classification and labelling requirements for dangerous substances and preparations according to Annex VI of Commission Directive 2001/59/EC and Annex I of Regulation (EC) 1272/2008, the test item Slags, ferronickel-manufg. / Electric Furnace Slag / Converter Slag does not have to be classified and has no obligatory labelling requirement for eye irritation (for details of the classification criteria see Evaluation of Results).

Justification for classification or non-classification

For the acute dermal irritation test:

The test for acute dermal irritation/corrosion for the substance is performed on the rabbit. Under the conditions of the study, the single dermal application of the test item Slags, ferronickel-manufg./Electric Furnace Slag/ Converter Slag to rabbits at a dose of 0.5 g showed neither irritant nor corrosive effects. Neither mortalities nor significant clinical signs of toxicity were observed.

In conformity with the EC criteria for classification and labelling requirements for dangerous substances and preparations according to Annex VI of Commission Directive 2001/59/EC and Annex I of Regulation (EC) 1272/2008, the test item Slags, ferronickel-manufg./Electric Furnace Slag/ Converter Slag does not have to be classified and has no obligatory labelling requirement for skin irritation.

For the acute eye irritation/corrosion test:

Under the conditions of the study, a single ocular application of the test item Slags, ferronickel-manufg. / Electric Furnace Slag / Converter Slag to rabbits at a dose of 0.1 g produced slightly irritant effects, which were fully reversible within 48 and 72 hours after the application. Neither mortalities nor significant clinical signs of toxicity were observed.

In conformity with the EC criteria for classification and labelling requirements for dangerous substances and preparations according to Annex VI of Commission Directive 2001/59/EC and Annex I of Regulation (EC) 1272/2008, the test item Slags, ferronickel-manufg. / Electric Furnace Slag / Converter Slag does not have to be classified and has no obligatory labelling requirement for eye irritation (for details of the classification criteria see Evaluation of Results).

The tests were performed on the grade of the slag with the highest concentration of Calcium Oxide, a substance classified as skin irritant and damaging to eyes. Since no effects, sufficient for classification, were observed during the experiments, all the grades of the substance are to be considered non-irritant.