A public consultation has been launched at European level on the possible preparation of a proposal to ban the chemical 1,2-dichlorobenzene in articles in order to reduce the risk to workers and consumers and in particular to better protect workers exposed to fumes when opening containers containing or treated with the substance. 1,2-Dichlorobenzene is classified as a Carcinogenic chemical with no safe exposure limit and its use requires European authorisation because it is included in the list of Chemicals of High Concern.
As part of this consultation, the Labour Inspection Department of the Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Security informs affected industrialists, importers, distributors, as well as any interested organisations or scientific groups, that comments or data can be submitted on this proposal until 16 March 2022.
This chemical is mainly contained in imported polyresin articles, in figures of various characters, in plastic objects and in soft toys for children. The origin of the substance in the articles is not known, it is likely to come from the use of 1,2-dichloroethane in the fumigation of the containers containing the imported articles or possibly a residue from the manufacturing process of the article.
The proposal, and any evidence submitted, will be evaluated by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) with the ultimate aim of preparing and including a new restriction in Annex XVII of the European REACH Regulation (no. 1907/2006/EC).
In addition, ECHA invites interested parties to provide information on the risks from worker exposure to container opening and other hazardous chemicals used as fumigants (such as methyl bromide, phosphine, chloropicrin, ethylene oxide and formaldehyde), for which the reported use may not be adequately controlled and may pose health risks.
Interested parties can submit their comments and data and access further information via the following ECHA website: https:/echa.europa.eu/el/calls-for-comments-and-evidence/-/substance-rev/68605/term
For further information they can also contact the relevant officials on 22405609 and 22405608.
(MB/SX)
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