Call for evidence and comments on N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAC) and 1-ethylpyrrolidin-2-one (NEP)
The Netherlands submitted 9/12/2019 an intention to restrict the use of N,N-dimethylacetamide as aprotic solvent (cf. similar to the (proposed) restrictions of NMP and DMF). The annex XV dossier is exptected for 9/10/2020. The restriction is about the use of a mandatory worker based harmonized Derived No Effect Level (DNEL) for long-term inhalation exposure and long-term inhalation exposure when N,N-dimethylacetamide is used on its own or in mixtures above 0,3% (the call for evidence document contains possible DNEL ranges). The scope of the restriction might become wider during the development of the Annex XV in case unacceptable risk is identified for consumers due to DMAC and/or NEP presence in consumer articles (or product formulations below 0.3%). More information on the restriction intention can be found here.
To prepare this rectriction intention, ECHA launched on a call for evidence on the 18/12/2019. They ask any updated information on changes in uses, quantities, expected trends and worker exposure measurements in relation to information already submitted through registration dossiers. Information is also requested on additional exposure reduction measures and their effectiveness and costs; estimates of the number of workers involved in the different sectors and information on alternatives to the use of DMAC and NEP (hazard and risk profile of alternatives, their technical characteristics and substitutability for the restricted substances and their costs). Stakeholders are also invited to point out any specific areas of interest/concern in case of a restriction e.g. possibilities to curtail exposure via technical measures, potential for additional use of PPEs (Personal Protective Equipment) and/or organisational/administrative measures. More information on this call for evidence can be found here. Deadline for submitting information is 13/3/2020.
Call for evidence: Substances in single-use baby nappies
France is preparing an Annex XV restriction dossier concerning single use baby nappies containing PAHs, formaldehyde, dioxins, furans and PCBs for submission on 9 October 2020. ECHA is requesting interested parties to submit any information they have related to this restriction intention to help with the preparation of the dossier. More information on the restriction intention can be found here.
This call for evidence consultation is open until 31 March 2020 (midnight Helsinki time) and there will be an online information session for interested stakeholders on 30 January 2020 (11:00 Helsinki time). This call is intended to gather information on the use of certain chemicals identified as of concern in single-use baby nappies. The scope is quite large, since none of those substances are intentionally added. So information on production processes of diapers, availability of alternatives, socio-economic impacts of restrictions, etc. are also requested. Since an information session is organised on the 30th of january, early comments are highly appreciated by 20/02/2020. To register for the information session, please click here. Deadline for submitting information is 30/3/2020.