Substitution of epoxy resins containing naphtalene, ethylbenzene, naphta (heavy aromatic fractions) and titanium dioxide used for the painting of vehicles.

Number

046-EN

Section

General Section

Use

Sector

General manufacturing, e.g. machinery, equipment, vehicles, other transport equipment

Function

Dye

Process

Other

Product category

coatings and paints, thinners, paint removers

Application

Lackierung von Karosserien

Abstract

Substitution of a finishing compound based on epoxy resins containing carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, neurotoxicants and volatile organic compounds: naphtalene, 1,2,4 -trimethylbenzene, ethylbenzene, naphta (heavy aromatic fractions), titanium dioxide. Introduction of a water-based finishing compound in a repair workshop of a company specialized in bodyworks for buses.

Substituted substances

Naphtha, heavy arom.

CAS No. 64742-94-5 EC No. 265-198-5 Index No. 649-424-00-3

Chemical group

Hydrocarbons

Classification: hazard statements

H304 May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways

Naphthalene

CAS No. 91-20-3 EC No. 202-049-5 Index No. 601-052-00-2

Chemical group

Aromatic hydrocarbons

Classification: hazard statements

H351 Suspected of causing cancer
H302 Harmful if swallowed
H400 Very toxic to aquatic life
H410 Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects

Other adverse effects

The substance is: 2B carcinogen (IARC), endocrine disruptor (SIN List) as listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORT Screening Criteria (SDSC).

2-Methylpropan-1-ol

CAS No. 78-83-1 EC No. 201-148-0 Index No. 603-108-00-1

Chemical group

Alcohols

Classification: hazard statements

H226 Flammable liquid and vapour
H335 May cause respiratory irritation
H336 May cause drowsiness or dizziness
H315 Causes skin irritation
H318 Causes serious eye damage

1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene

CAS No. 95-63-6 EC No. 202-436-9 Index No. 601-043-00-3

Chemical group

Aromatic hydrocarbons

Classification: hazard statements

H226 Flammable liquid and vapour
H332 Harmful if inhaled
H335 May cause respiratory irritation
H315 Causes skin irritation
H319 Causes serious eye irritation
H411 Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects

Ethylbenzene

CAS No. 100-41-4 EC No. 202-849-4 Index No. 601-023-00-4

Chemical group

Aromatic hydrocarbons

Classification: hazard statements

H225 Highly flammable liquid and vapour
H332 Harmful if inhaled
H304 May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways
H373 May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure

Other adverse effects

The substance is: 2B carcinogen (IARC) as listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORT Screening Criteria (SDSC).

Xylene

CAS No. 1330-20-7 EC No. 215-535-7 Index No. 601-022-00-9

Chemical group

Aromatic hydrocarbons

Classification: hazard statements

H226 Flammable liquid and vapour
H332 Harmful if inhaled
H312 Harmful in contact with skin
H315 Causes skin irritation

Titanium dioxide

CAS No. 13463-67-7 EC No. 236-675-5 Index No.

Chemical group

Titanium compounds; metal oxides

Classification: hazard statements

H351 Suspected of causing cancer

Other adverse effects

The substance is: 2B carcinogen (IARC) as listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORT Screening Criteria (SDSC).

1-Methoxypropan-2-ol

CAS No. 107-98-2 EC No. 203-539-1 Index No. 603-064-00-3

Chemical group

Glycol ethers

Classification: hazard statements

H226 Flammable liquid and vapour
H336 May cause drowsiness or dizziness

2-Butoxyethyl acetate

CAS No. 112-07-2 EC No. 203-933-3 Index No. 607-038-00-2

Chemical group

Carboxylic acid ester

Classification: hazard statements

H332 Harmful if inhaled
H312 Harmful in contact with skin

Zinc oxide

CAS No. 1314-13-2 EC No. 215-222-5 Index No. 030-013-00-7

Chemical group

Metal oxides

Classification: hazard statements

H400 Very toxic to aquatic life
H410 Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects

Alternative Substances

Ethanol

CAS No. 64-17-5 EC No. 200-578-6 Index No. 603-002-00-5

Chemical group

Alcohol

Classification: hazard statements

H225 Highly flammable liquid and vapour

Other adverse effects

The substance is: 1 carcinogen (IARC), as listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORT Screening Criteria (SDSC).

Ammonia, aqueous solution

CAS No. 1336-21-6 EC No. 215-647-6 Index No. 007-001-01-2

Chemical group

Nitrogen-hydrogen compounds, inorganic

Classification: hazard statements

H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
H400 Very toxic to aquatic life

Reliability of information

Evidence of implementation: there is evidence that the solution was implemented and in use at time of publication

Reason substitution

CMR
ED
neurotoxicant

Hazard Assessment

Substituted substances:

Naphtha, heavy arom, may cause lung damage if swallowed (R65 and H304)

Naphthalene is 2B carcinogen (IARC), endocrine disruptor (SIN List) as listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORT Screening Criteria (SDSC). It is harmful if swallowed (R22). Also it is very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment R50/53

2-Methylpropan-1-ol   is irritanting to respiratory system and skin  (R37/38) and it may cause drownsiness and dizziness ( R67) . The substance causes serious eye damange and also it is flammable liquid and vapour (R10 )

1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene is irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin (R36/37/38). It is Toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment (R51/53). Also it is harmful by inhalation (R20).

Ethylbenzene is 2B carcinogen (IARC) as listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORT Screening Criteria (SDSC). It is  harmful by inhalation (R20) and highly flammable (H225)

Xylene is harmful by inhalation and in contact with skin (R20/21) and it is irritanting (R38).

Titanium dioxide is 2B carcinogen (IARC) as listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORT Screening Criteria (SDSC).
1-Methoxypropan-2-ol may cause drownsiness and dizziness ( R67) and also is flammable liquid and vapour (R10 )

2-Butoxyethyl acetate is harmful by inhalation and in contact with skin (R20/21)

Zinc oxide is very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment (R50/53)

Alternative substances:

Ethanol is highly flammable liquid and vapour.

Ammonia, aqueous solution causes burns (R34) and is very toxic to aquatic organisms (R50) .



Though the alternative has risks, these are much less important and the safety is improved.

Description of Substitution

In this case a company substituted an epoxy resin in a company specialized in buses? bodyworks. Epoxy resin is a thermosetting polymers used in printed layers as a protection against corrosive agents and to improve the adherence of paints. This experience deals specifically with resins that contained several substances hazardous to human health and implied a significant occupational risk. The regional trade union?s health and safety department in Aragon (Spain) requested the product?s safety data sheet and detected that it contained naphthalene (carcinogen, endocrine disruptor, neurotoxic and very toxic for the aquatic environment).

During the assembly of buses, bodyworks might be scratched and dented. Those imperfections are repaired before painting. The painting of buses is carried out in an enclosed area with an air extraction system and the required filters. However if repairs are carried out when the bus is already painted, the repainting occurs outside the enclosed area, in the company?s workshop with a spray gun. Is at this process where the epoxy resin was used.

The introduced change was the substitution of an epoxy resin finishing compound (the one used to protect bodyworks from oxidation) by a water-based compound of the IDROSTAR series (very similar to the one used in car repair workshops).

The substitute based on ethanol and ammonia is less toxic (it is used to cover metal bodyworks after small dents repairs) and does not require electric finishing.

The main goal of the regional trade union health and safety department is to use this successful substitution practice to encourage the substitution of other solvents and pain currently in use at the company.

Advantage

The measure implies almost no cost for the company and does not change the production process.

Case/substitution evaluation

The alternative product contains ethanol. As a carcinogen, mutagen and toxic for reproduction if contained in alcoholic beverages, ethanol would not comply with SUBSPORT criteria for recommended alternatives substances, but in this specific case it does not represent any health risks.

The alternative product also contains ammonia which is very toxic for aquatic organisms.

Occupational risks reduced significantly as a consequence of substitution given the fact that the substituted product contained carcinogens, endocrine disruptors and highly dangerous neurotoxic substances.

State of implementation

In use

Date and place of implementation

2007 Spain

Enterprise using the alternative

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tata_Hispano

Availability of Alternative

On the market

Producer/Provider

www.chimigraf.com

Type of information supplier

User

Contact

www.aragon.ccoo.es/

Date, reviewed

February 27, 2020