REACH Targets Corrosion Chemicals

THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 2014


Nine chemicals, including one used to make coated galvanized steel and several used in anti-corrosion surface treatments, have joined the European Commission’s list of "substances of high concern."

The chemicals, added for their carcinogenic and reproductive toxic properties, amend the Annex XIV list of the regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).

The regulation was published Aug. 19 in the Official Journal of the European Union.

REACH took effect June 1, 2007, and improves and streamlines the former legislative framework on chemicals of the European Union.

Added Chemicals

Substances listed in Annex XIV may not be used without specific authorization. The new regulation includes deadlines for filing authorization requests, some of which are due by Feb. 22, 2016.

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REACH
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The European Commission has added nine new chemicals to REACH.
REACH
© iStock / endopack

The European Commission has added nine new chemicals to REACH.

The chemicals and their purposes, according to ChemicalWatch.com, include:

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  • Formaldehyde, oligomeric reaction products with aniline, categorized a 1B carcinogen, used as a hardener for epoxy resins and curing agent for polymers;
  • Arsenic acid, a 1A carcinogen, used in glass and printed circuit board production;
  • Bis(2-methoxyethyl) ether (diglyme), toxic for reproduction 1B, and used as a solvent in processes and distillation applications, as well as in batteries and to product plastics;
  • 1,2-dichloroethane (EDC), a 1B carcinogen, used as a solvent in the manufacture of fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals, and in mixtures for biochemical applications;
  • 2,2'-dichloro-4,4'-methylenedianiline (MOCA), a 1B carcinogen, used as a curing agent in resins and in the production of polymer articles; and
  • Dichromium tris(chromate), strontium chromate, potassium hydoxyoctaoxodizincatedichromate, and pentazinc chromate octahydroxide, all of which are used in anti-corrosion surface treatments and are categories 1A and 1B carcinogens.

Steel Coatings

According to Bloomberg BNA, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) said strontium chromate is used to protect steel and zinc in coil-coated galvanized steel; coil-coated metal is primarily used in buildings.

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Smaller amounts of the chemical are used in primers, sealants, joint compounds and top coat paints for aerospace applications, and in anticorrosion primers, fillers and sealants for the construction and maintenance of military vehicles and other heavy duty trucks and agricultural equipment, according to ECHA.

Tagged categories: Construction chemicals; Galvanized steel; Health & Safety; Health and safety; Regulations


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