REACH Restrictions, New Proposition 65 chemical and AIHA recommendation for MACOSH

New REACH Restrictions include Organostannic Compounds

The European Union has announced additional chemical restrictions on dichloromethane, lamp oils and grill lighter fluids as well as on organostannic compounds.

What is an organostannic compound?

Organostannic compounds are substances that contain the metal tin along with carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. The most commonly used organostannic compound is tributyl tin (TBT). Organostannic compounds are a persistent problem in the aquatic environment, where they cause sterility and death to shellfish. Larger sea animals may also be affected by secondary poisoning. Because they have been used in antifouling compounds for boats, high levels of organostannic compounds have been found near marinas, boat yards and dry docks.

Effective on July 1, 2010

Tri-substituted organostannic compounds such as tributyltin and triphenyltin compounds cannot be used in articles where the concentration in the article, or component is greater than the equivalent of 0.1% by weight of tin. Articles not complying with the ban cannot be placed on the market after this date, except for articles already in use in the EU before the deadline. Similar bans will be introduced for dibutyltin compounds in mixtures and articles, and doctyltin compounds in certain articles on January 1, 2012.

The Decision amends Annex I of the 1976 Directive on marketing restrictions for dangerous substances and preparations. The decision is imposed by commission Regulation 276/2010, which amends Annex XVII of REACH.

New chemical added to Proposition 65 list

The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) within the California Environmental Protection Agency is adding N,N-Dimethylacetamide (CAS No. 127-19-5) to the list of chemicals known to the state to cause reproductive toxicity for purposes of the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 (Proposition 65).  The listing of N,N-dimethylacetamide is effective May 21, 2010.

OEHHA analysis of dose-response data to establish the maximum allowable dose level (MADL) for N,N-dimethylacetamide under Proposition 65 has not yet been conducted.  The priority status for the development of such analysis will be announced in a future OEHHA Proposition 65 Status Report for Safe Harbor Levels, available at http://www.oehha.ca.gov/prop65.html.

The American Industrial Hygiene Association® Supports James R. Thornton Appointment

The AIHA has submitted a letter of support for the reappointment of James R. Thornton, CIH, CSP, to the Maritime Advisory Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (MACOSH). Thornton has served as chairman of MACOSH and is part of that advisory committee’s Professional-Government Interests section. Thornton also is a past president of both AIHA and the Academy of Industrial Hygiene.

MACOSH

The Maritime Advisory Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (MACOSH) was established on February 8, 1995 to advise the Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health on issues relating to the delivery of occupational safety and health programs, policies, and standards in the maritime industries of the United States. The committee provides a collective expertise not otherwise available to the Secretary.

Compiled by JeanMarie Calvillo, Ph.D. Safetec Regulatory Specialist