Directive Decoder

Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) was at one time manufactured in large quantities in the USA, mostly by 3M. It was a key ingredient in Scotchgard, a fabric protector made by 3M, and numerous stain repellents.

When 3M discovered its toxic properties, they ceased producing PFOS in 2001 with the result that it is now only used, via other sources, in applications where it is difficult to replace. Its uses included, adhesives, paper and fabrics including coatings mainly for textiles, carpets and leather. Apparently 48 tons per year was used in the UK at one time. It was used as it provided "soil, water and oil" resistance.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are a family of chemicals mainly derived from oil and coal but also as by-products from burning a variety of materials. Therefore the main environmental sources are from coke production, from petrol and diesel engine exhausts, from grilling meat and burning toast. Some PAH compounds, such as Benzopyrene are carcinogens, mutagens and reproductive toxins. Very few have direct uses although naphthalene was widely used at one time as mothballs and several are used as chemical intermediates to manufacture pigments.

The only restriction today of PAH is from the Marketing and Use Directive which bans the use of extender oil containing any of eight specified PAH in tyres.

The European Parliament is seeking to have restrictions placed on the use of N-Propyl Bromide. So what is it?

N-Propyl bromide (NPB) is mainly used as a vapour degreaser, as a metal cleaner and sometimes for the removal of flux residues. It is sold as the pure solvent for these applications. It is also used in spray adhesives.

It is used mainly as a substitute for trichloroethylene (TCE), methylene chloride and Perchloroethylene (PCE), all of which are hazardous substances and have obligations under the solvent emissions directive

I have been asked recently about the biocide Dimethyl Fumarate (DMF).....CAS624-49-7.

On 1May 2009 the European Commission banned products containing DMF from being placed on the market. Any products already on the market had to be either withdrawn or recalled from customers.

I have been asked recently about the biocide Dimethyl Fumarate (CAS 624-49-7).

Back in February 2008 the UK consumer programme "Watchdog" reported a story about Chinese manufactured leather sofas, sold by a number of leading high street retailers in the UK, including Argos, Land of Leather and Walmsleys, that had lead to severe skin reactions due to the use of Dimethyl Fumarate.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are a family of chemicals mainly derived from oil and coal but also as by-products from burning a variety of materials. Therefore the main environmental sources are from coke production, from petrol and diesel engine exhausts, from grilling meat and burning toast. Some PAH compounds, such as Benzopyrene are carcinogens, mutagens and reproductive toxins. Very few have direct uses although naphthalene was widely used at one time as mothballs and several are used as chemical intermediates to manufacture pigments.

The only restriction today of PAH is from the Marketing and Use Directive (now Annex XVII of the REACH Regulations) which bans the use of extender oil containing any of eight specified PAH in tyres.

The recent restriction on Dimethyl Fumarate (DMF) in imported products was clearly not by the standard procedure. The use of DMF was already banned in the EU but not as a component in imported products. In the UK it resulted in illness and was largely ignored by retailers until journalists took an interest, in particular the BBC Watchdog programme. Simultaneously, a group of individuals who were suffering brought legal action against several retailers and won. There were similar issues in other Member States. It clearly was the publicity that drew the attention of the European Parliament and the EC who very quickly introduced the ban.

Those of you who have followed my articles on Dimethyl Fumarate (DMF), the anti-mould substance found in leather sofa's and armchairs might be interested to know that a court case was due to open today (22 September).

The case is to determine how much compensation should be paid out to the victims of sofa burns.

People across the UK developed skin complaints as a result of sitting on leather settees imported from China.

Those of you who follow my blogs will know that I have posted a few articles on the subject of the chemical DMF (dimethyl fumarate) which has been used in the production of several models of sofa.

Customers who were left with a horror rash and peeling skin, with many of them fearing skin cancer, are in line to receive compensation of over £20m in total.

The High Court in London approved a prompt settlement between the victims and insurers of the shops that sold the Chinese made furniture which left many customers complaining of burns.

There are an ever growing number of substance information requests around DEHP (bis ethylhexyl phthalate) and BPA (bisphenol A).

For more information follow this link

Directive Decoder

There are an ever growing number of substance information requests around DEHP (bis ethylhexyl phthalate) and BPA (bisphenol A).

So what is behind this?

We asked expert industry chemist Dr Paul Goodman of ERA Technology  for his thoughts on the matter.

The Canadian Government has required manufacturers and importers to provide information on the presence of DEHP and BPA since 2008.

The information is required for all types of medical device including electrical and non-electrical equipment. Information on DEHP is required if it is used in the product at a concentration of greater than 0.1% of the equipment (not homogeneous material as with the RoHS Directive). Information on BPA is required for any amount so is needed even if traces are present. However, this is only required if the equipment comes into physical contact with patients or fluids such as for blood transfusions and drips.

Decision 2012/48/EU extends the validity of 2009/251/EC requiring Member States to ensure that products containing the biocide dimethylfumarate (DMF) are not placed or made available on the market.

Many of you will remember the problems caused by DMF that was used to stop mould in sofas during transportation from China. This often resulted in a horrific rash which lead to peeling skin. DMF was also found in shoes.

However, there is a proposed restriction of DMF under Annex XVII of the REACH Regulations that was put forward by France and accepted by Member States. It is only a matter of time until the restriction is published in the Official Journal of the European Union at takes effect.

Article 1 of 2012/48/EU states that the decision shall apply until entry into force of the Commission Regulation amending Annex XVII  number 1907/2006 (REACH) concerning DMF or 15 March 2013, whichever is the earlier.

Directive Decoder