Chemical name: Plumbane, tetramethyl-

Final regulatory action has been taken for the category: Industrial

Final regulatory action: The chemical is Banned

Use or uses prohibited by the final regulatory action:

All uses as an anti-knock agent in vehicles are prohibited.

The final regulatory action was based on a risk or hazard evaluation: Yes

Summary of the final regulatory action:

Tetramethyl lead is subject to the National Hazardous Substances Control Scheme in line with Decree 58 of 1988 as amended by Decree 59 of 1992 which gives authority to the Federal Ministry of Environment, Housing and Urban Development for the control of all harzardous substances at every stage of their life cycle for the protection of the Nigerian environment and citizenry.

The reasons for the final regulatory action were relevant to: Human health

Summary of known hazards and risks to human health:

TML has been assessed to be very acutely toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed.

It may cause harm to the unborn child, and a possible risk of impaired fertility has been identified. In addition, TML is eliminated only very slowly and there is a danger of cumulative effects.

Occupational exposure to alkyl-lead compounds, either by inhalation or by absorption through the skin, poses particular risks. Overexposure of the general population to alkyl-lead may also occur during car tank refill.

Moreover, the combustion of alkyl-lead additive in motor fuels accounted for the major part of all lead emissions, which is also known to produce adverse effects on the health of the general population.

Expected effect of the final regulatory action in relation to human health:

Prevention of the above listed health effects for workers and the general public.

Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 29/07/2008