Chemical name: Ethane, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloro-

Final regulatory action has been taken for the category: Industrial

Final regulatory action: The chemical is Severely Restricted

Use or uses prohibited by the final regulatory action:

1.Shall not be used in concentrations equal to or greater than 0.1% by weight in substances and preparations placed on the market for sale to the general public and/or in diffuse applications such as in surface cleaning and cleaning of fabrics.

2.Without prejudice to the application of other EU provisions on the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances and preparations, the packaging of such substances and preparations containing them in concentrations equal to or greater than 0.1% shall be legibly and indelibly marked as follows: "For use in industrial installations only"

By way of derogation, this provision shall not apply to:

(a) Medical or veterinary products as defined by Directive 2001/82/EC and Directive 2001/83/EC;

(b) cosmetic products as defined by Directive 76/768/EEC

Use or uses that remain allowed:

All other uses not listed above

The final regulatory action was based on a risk or hazard evaluation: No

Summary of the final regulatory action:

Shall not be used in concentrations equal to or greater than 0.1% by weight in substances and preparations placed on the market for sale to the general public and/or in diffuse applications such as in surface cleaning and cleaning of fabrics. Certain exceptions apply.

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

Summary of known hazards and risks to human health:

This substance is the most toxic of the chlorinated carbohydrates. It has a highly irritating effect on the eyes, skin and mucous membranes. The vapour has narcotic effects. The toxic effects are most evident in the liver, but damage of the kidneys and heart, and bleeding in the lungs have been observed. The compound may be taken up through intact skin. The compound has not shown any mutagenic properties in most investigations. It caused a statistically significant increase of cancer in rodents in 2 out of 4 studies, and in one study it appeared to be a potent tumour promoter. No reliable investigations of carcinogenic effects in man are available. Four metabolites of this compound, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, dichloroacetic acid and trichloroacetic acid, are carcinogenic in rodents.

Summary of known hazards and risks to the environment:

The substance is toxic to aquatic organisms. this substance may be hazardous to the environment; special attention should be given to its impact on the ozone layer.

Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 01/01/2001