2016-02-16 16:43:31
Methylisothiazolinone or MIT is mainly used for its preservative properties, especially in paints and coatings, detergents, industrial processes, cosmetics, etc. A recent study detected the presence of MIT in 93% of paints tested. MIT can also be used for its fungicidal, bactericidal and disinfectant properties in a large number of uses: varnishes, glues, detergents, textiles, etc.
For several years, in France as in Europe, many publications have highlighted an alarming increase in the number of cases of skin allergies to this substance.
At the toxicological level, MIT is recognized as a skin sensitizing substance, on the basis of animal and human experimental data. Thus, following exposure to a high concentration of MIT, via especially cosmetics, an allergic skin reaction may occur upon further exposure, even to low concentrations.
Furthermore, the presence of MIT in many products for professional use at high concentrations is the cause of severe contact dermatitis in many professional categories.
In this context, ANSES issued an internal request to draw up an inventory of the uses of MIT and to describe the associated risks of skin and respiratory sensitization. The objective was to identify the categories of products with the highest exposure in order to propose possible recommendations aimed at limiting the exposure of people already or not already sensitized.
The Agency’s recommendations
In January 2015, a harmonized classification dossier was submitted at European level by Slovenia within the framework of the “CLP” regulation on the classification, labeling and packaging of substances. This dossier proposes to classify MIT as a category 1 skin sensitizer with a specific concentration limit of 0.06% (600 ppm). During the public consultation phase of this proposal, France indicated that it considered this limit of 600 ppm much too high in view of the available data and proposed a limit of 15 ppm. Other comments from European public institutions or Member States also go in the direction of proposing a more protective concentration limit. This classification proposal should be discussed with all the Member States shortly.
The Agency also considers it necessary to continue the discussions initiated at European level within the framework of the “cosmetics” regulation, in order to modify the concentrations of MIT as a preservative in cosmetic products.
The Agency recommends the establishment of systematic information for the general population and professionals, on the packaging of mixtures containing MIT, regardless of the level of concentration in the mixture. This information is already mandatory for cosmetic products and detergents. Systematic information from the lowest concentration applicable to the finished product put on the market will allow the eviction of the allergen for sensitized individuals.
Furthermore, as part of its work on the issue of pollutant emissions from construction materials, ANSES proposed a qualification procedure for emissions of volatile organic compounds in 2009. A limit concentration of interest (CLI) was was then determined for MIT. This French value has also been adopted by the European working group for the harmonization of protocols and CLIs. In view of recent data, the Agency recommends that MIT be taken into account in the labeling provided for construction products, in order to inform consumers and workers regarding the emission levels of volatile pollutants.
The Agency finally continues its work on the analysis of occupational dermatitis within the framework of the National Network for Vigilance and Prevention of Occupational Pathologies (RNV3P), which it coordinates. This work makes it possible to describe the prevalence of these skin disorders according to the nuisances, to identify the sectors or workstations at risk with a view to recommendations for the implementation of preventive measures and appropriate protection in the professional environment.
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