2014-03-19 12:58:02
Type E and representative composition glass fibers are so-called “special purpose” glass fibers used in high efficiency air and liquid filtration in the automotive, electronics, battery separator and insulation in aeronautical applications. The major application, for the general population, lies in the ventilation of buildings (offices, schools, airports, hotels, department stores, residences, conference centers, pet shops). These fibers have particularly small diameters, of the order of a micron, which are breathable.
In March 2013, France submitted a proposal at European level to classify type E glass fibers as category 1B carcinogens and glass fibers of representative composition as category 2 carcinogens. Comments from producers received during the first public consultation required redefining the composition, the manufacturing process and the names used to specifically designate each type of fibre.
In January 2014, ANSES – as the organization responsible for providing support to the French authorities for the implementation of European regulations on the labeling of chemical substances – has resubmitted revised classification records for both types of fiberglass. Since March 5, 2014, they have been in public consultation on the website of the European Chemicals Agency until April 22, 2014.
A classification in category 1B for the carcinogenicity of type E glass fibers would have the direct consequence of applying more stringent regulatory measures, in particular the obligation to put in place reinforced preventive measures for the professional uses of these fibers ( in the first place their substitution), or the ban on the marketing of these fibers intended for consumers.
Comments can be sent using a form specific to each type of fiber and available on the ECHA website.
Following this public consultation stage, ECHA’s Risk Assessment Committee will deliver, on the basis of all the data, a final opinion which will be sent to the European Commission no later than 18 months from from the date of publication of the proposal. The decision to include the harmonized classification in the CLP Regulation[1] will be issued by the European Commission on the basis of this opinion.
(1) CLP: Classification, Labelling, Packaging; Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on the classification, labeling and packaging of substances and mixtures, amending and repealing Directives 67/548/EEC and 1999/ 45/EC and amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006.
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