Chemical name: Arsenic compounds 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 as substances and constituents of preparations intended for use: 1.1 to prevent the fouling by microorganisms, plants or animals of: - the hulls of boats - cages, floats, nets and any other appliances or equipment used for fish or shellfish farming. - any totally or partially submerged appliances or equipment. 1.2 in the preservation of wood. Furthermore, wood so treated shall not be placed on the market 1.3 however by way of derogation: (i)relating to the substances and preparations in the preservation of wood: these may only be used in industrial installations using vacuum or pressure to impregnate wood if they are solutions of inorganic compounds of the copper, chromium, arsenic (CCA) type C. Wood so treated shall not be placed on the market before fixation of the preservative is completed. (ii)Relating to wood treated with CCA solutions in industrial installations according to point (i): this may be placed on the market for professional and industrial use provided that the structural integrity of the wood is required for human or livestock safety and skin contact by the general public during its service life is unlikely. - as structural timber in public and agricultural buildings, office buildings and industrial premises. - in bridges and bridgework, - as constructional timber in freshwater areas and brackish waters eg jetties and bridges - as noise barriers - in avalanche control - in highway safety fencing and barriers - as debarked round conifer livestock fence posts - in earth retaining structures - as electric power transmission and telecommunication poles - as underground railway sleeper. Without prejudice to the application of other EU provisions on the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances and preparations, all treated wood placed on the market shall be individually labelled "For professional and industrial installation and use only, contains arsenic". In addition, all wood placed on the market in packs shall also bear a label stating "Wear gloves when handling this wood. Wear a dust mask and eye protection when cutting or otherwise crafting this wood. Waste from this wood shall be treated as hazardous by an authorised undertaking". (iii)Treated wood referred to under points (i) and (ii) shall not be used: - in residential or domestic constructions, whatever the purpose - in any application where there is a risk of repeated skin contact - in marine waters - for agricultural purposes other than for livestock fence posts and structural uses in accordance with point (ii), - in any application where the treated wood may come into contact with intermediate or finished products intended for human and/or animal consumption. 2.Shall not be used as substances and constituents of preparations intended for use in the treatement of industrial waters, irrespective of their use. Use or uses that remain allowed: All other uses not listed above. The final regulatory action was based on a risk or hazard evaluation: Yes Summary of the final regulatory action: Shall not be used as substances and constituents of preparations. 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: Inorganic arsenic compounds may give rise to acute and chronic health effects in eg the respiratory system, gastro-intestinal tract, skin, cardio-vascular system, nervous system and the blood producing organs. After long-term low exposure to arsenic via respiratory system lung cancer is probably the most critical effect. Arsenic compounds are absorbed by the body after swallowing or through inhalation. Arsenic of the 3+ valence is more toxic than the 5+ valence. Acute poisoning is evident from burning and dryness in the mouth and nose, painful digestion and muscle cramps. Puffiness of the face and eye lids may occur. This compound has caused birth defects in two different animal species. Summary of known hazards and risks to the environment: The substances are very toxic to aquatic environment. May cause long-term irreversible effects. Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 01/01/2001 |