Number

279-EN

Section

General Section

Use

Abstract

This document describes the emerging solvent parachlorobenzotrifluoride, a solvent increasingly used as an alternative to other solvents phasing restrictions. The document describes the different uses of the solvent and identifies available alternatives. Investigated uses include automotive body cleaning and cosmetic stain removal. Acetone and soy-based solvents are among the mentioned safer alternatives. Function and costs of the different alternatives are also evaluated.

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

CMR
skin/respiratory sensitizing

Hazard Assessment

Substance to be substituted: The substituted substance is not classified but studies have shown properties including carcinogenicity, allergenic potential and immunotoxicity. It is possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B), according to the IARC Monographs. EU authorities have now begun to consider a comprehensive ban on all PFAS. Harmonised classification of this substance is considered due to its environmental hazards and due to its carcinogenic and reproduction toxic properties (RMOA, 2021). It fulfils the criteria to be listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORTplus Screening Criteria (SDSC). Alternative substances: This study describes many different alternatives to the different uses. Of the once suggested as safer alternatives none are on the database of hazardous substances according to SUBSPORTplus screening criteria (SDSC), but some of them, including acetone, have hazardous properties that need to be considered for a safe handling of the products. Acetone and methyl acetate are not listed in the SUBSPORTplus Database. Ethane-1,2- diol is not listed in the SUBSPORTplus Database.

Description of Substitution

The use of parachlorobenzenefluoride, PCBT has increased last years, since this has been a common substitute for xylene. Since it is not considered to be an ozone depleting compound it was also exempted from US regulations of VOC (volatile organic compound), which lead to an increasing popularity when other solvents were restricted. The rationale for investigating the alternatives to PCBTF is the structure: a benzene ring with a chlorine substituent. Many other compounds with a similar structure have proven to be very toxic, when the report was written there were not many studies available on the compound. (SUBSPORT note: today there exist more studies of the compound, indicating the potential to induce stomach and respiratory cancers, allergic potential and immunotoxicity). Since it is not considered to be an ozone depleting compound it was exempted from US regulations of VOC (volatile organic compound), which lead to an increasing popularity when other solvents were restricted. The current study identified the following uses of the substance to focus on when looking for alternatives: Auto body coating Auto body coating cleaning Auto body coating application cleaning Repair and maintenance cleaning Cosmetic stain removal Aerosol rust prevention For auto body coatings it is said that new waterborne technologies are under development but not yet available on the market. Thinners used in auto body coatings were also evaluated in this report, where thinners based on acetone and/or soy or glycol ether were recommended as safer alternatives to DTSC. For cleaning of auto body cleaning equipment, the project identified pure acetone or a blend of acetone and methyl acetate as a safer alternatives. For cosmetic stain removal from textile and other materials PCBTF has been used, the project identified cleaners containing isopropyl alcohol as safer alternatives. As alternative rust inhibitors, the project could not identify any safer alternatives on the market, but suggested to use a soy-based solvent for this purpose. This case story is from a large report from a project funded by US EPA and performed by The Department of health services hazard evaluation system and information service (HESIS) and the Institute for research and technical assistance (IRTA). The aim of the project was to study five emerging solvents, and to find safer alternatives to these in a number of applications per substance. Hazard properties, function and cost was investigated for a number of alternatives per application. For each chemical there are case stories in the report from companies evaluating the alternatives. Solvents are most often used in dispersive applications where exposure is likely to be high. The five selected solvents were Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, D5 Parachlorobenzotrifluoride, PCBTF n-propyl bromide NPB 1,2-trans-dichloroethylene, DCE N-methyl pyrrolidone, NMP For more details, concerning the other solvents, please have a look at the case stories 278, 280 and 281

Case/substitution evaluation

This is a case story with a very practical approach to finding alternatives, including company interviews, cost evaluations and descriptions of the methods.

State of implementation

In use

Date and place of implementation

2006 USA

Type of information supplier

Authority

Publication source: author, company, institute, year

ASSESSMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND DEMONSTRATION OF ALTERNATIVES FOR FIVE EMERGING SOLVENTS Prepared for: Hazard Evaluation System & Information Service California Department of Health Services Under Agreement No. 04-36006 A01 and United States Environmental Protection Agency Pollution Prevention Grant NP-96912401-1 October 2006

Publication source

Type of publication and availability

http://www.irta.us/reports/Five%20Emerging%20Chemicals.pdf

Date, reviewed

November 26, 2021