Number

245-EN

Section

General Section

Use

Abstract

This is a report from a study with the aim to identify products for automotive cleaning that functions well and that contain low or no amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOC). The alternatives tested included acetone and a soy based product. This project could identify a number of cleaners with zero or low content of VOC, who functioned as well as or better than the high VOC cleaners.

Substituted substances

Alternative Substances

Reliability of information

Internet information: data are from an internet document and only a basic and partial evaluation could be performed

Reason substitution

ED
ecotoxicity
skin/respiratory sensitizing

Hazard Assessment

Substances to be substituted: Volatile organic compounds (VOC) include a wide range of organic compounds, whereof a number are known to be hazardous to health and environment. In this study hexane is mentioned to be of particular concern for automotive mechanics. n-Hexane is on the database of hazardous substances according to SUBSPORTplus screening criteria (SDSC) as an endocrine disruptor (SIN List). It fulfils the criteria to be listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORTplus Screening Criteria (SDSC). Alternative substances: The alternative acetone is not listed in the SUBSPORTplus Database. Soybean oil is not listed in the SUBSPORTplus Database and has no harmonised classification according to Annex VI of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP Regulation).

Description of Substitution

This is a report of a US study to identify alternatives to solvent aerosol automotive cleaning products. The aim was to reduce the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the cleaners. Volatile organic compounds, including hexane, in cleaners have been linked to nerve disease in automotive mechanics. The alternatives were identified in three ways: identification of better alternatives already on the market, identification of products on the market intended for other use, but that might work for this purpose, and acetone and a soy based product. The different alternatives were tested for their performance in engine degreasing, carburettor and fuel injection system cleaning, break cleaning and general purpose cleaning. The testing was performed in different auto repair facilities. All of the facilities could identify at least one alternative that worked as well or better than their normal cleaner. In these alternatives the amount of VOC ranged from 0 to 10%. The alternative products based on soy and acetone performed very well in the tests and represents a lower toxicity than conventional cleaners.

Case/substitution evaluation

This is a well performed study, investigating carefully the performance of the alternatives. The report contains much information for the user, including MSDS of the alternatives.

State of implementation

Full capacity

Date and place of implementation

2004 USA

Availability of Alternative

On the market

Type of information supplier

Authority

Type of publication and availability

Report for a Governmental body

Publication source: author, company, institute, year

Prepared for State of California—Health and Human Services Agency Department of Health Services Hazard Evaluation System & Information Service Under Agreement Number 01-16384 Prepared By: Jon Zavadil, Dr. Katy Wolf and Michael Morris Institute for Research and Technical Assistance Principal Investigator: Dr. Katy Wolf 2004

Publication source

Type of publication and availability

https://ww3.arb.ca.gov/research/apr/past/01-317main.pdf

Date, reviewed

November 26, 2021