RAC Approves New Classifications for Methyl Methacrylate and BPA

In its meeting at the beginning of October, the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) of the ECHA approved the classification of methyl methacrylate (MMA) as a respiratory sensitizer of Category 1 and enhanced the table entry for BPA in Annex VI of the CLP to include the property of “acute and chronic aquatic toxicity.”

In regard to MMA, the RAC followed the recommendation of the CLH Report that representatives of the French agency for food safety (ANSES) had submitted to the ECHA last year.

The authors state that MMA is a significant irritant to the respiratory system. That’s the result of multiple
studies with test subjects who were exposed to increased concentrations of MMA in the workplace. In
addition, the results of epidemiological studies clearly indicate that increased exposure to MMA leads to
occupational asthma.

MMA is used in the manufacture of acrylic glass, plastic dental prostheses, lacquers, adhesives, and so on.

In regard to BPA, the committee urged classification of the chemical under the property of “acute and
chronic aquatic toxicity of Category 1.” BPA is on the candidate list of substances of very high concern (SVHC). Germany is currently developing a restriction dossier for BPA according to Annex XV of REACH. A call for evidence is already available. Comments are being accepted up to January 15.

Ensure that your products are classified in a legally sound manner. If you have any questions, please contact us at clp-info@kft.de.

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