Number

017-EN

Section

General Section

Use

Abstract

A naphtha-based solvent was used to clean printing rolls. It contained naphtha (carcinogens), 2-butoxyetanol (endocrine disruptor and neurotoxicant) and volatile organic compounds. The product was handled manually on a regular basis which implied a dangerous practice. It was substituted by another solvent with no significant impact on human health.

Substituted substances

Alternative Substances

Reliability of information

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

Reason substitution

CMR

Hazard Assessment

Naphtha, light arom may cause cancer (H350) and may cause heritable genetic damage (H340). It is listed in the hazardous Substance Database according to SUBSPORT Screening Criteria (SDSC). The alternative substances meet the SUBSPORT criteria. » Check the Substance Database according to SUBSPORT Screening Criteria (SDSC)

Description of Substitution

Introduction A Naphtha-based solvent was used for the cleaning of printing rolls in a print media facility, located in Madrid, specialised in magazines. The use of a solvent that contained carcinogens, endocrine disruptors and mutagens was unveiled by a union (CC.OO.) project on Prevention and Control of Dangerous Solvents. Dangerous chemicals were identified and workers received a training on the health risks of handling such chemicals. The union representative took action to start a substitution process. Two alternatives were provided to the employers who eventually chose a product named IPAFIX with no serious impact on human health. Description of procedure or technology (including pre-/post-processing) Way of application: e.g. spraying, dipping, open/closed system etc. Manual cleaning Risk management measures (technical, organizational and personal) Risk reduction by alternative: Human health: e.g. more/less safety measures e.g. technical/operational/personal protection measures Risks were reduced Risk reduction by alternative: Environment: e.g. waste reduced/increased environmental quality was improved

Case/substitution evaluation

Comments The alternative product according to the producer may have effects on the nervous system (it can cause narcosis, irritability, euphoria, lack of coordination, etc.), H336: Vapors may cause drowsiness and dizziness, H225: Light flammable and H319/H315: Irritating to eyes and skin. The product is a volatile organic compound. SUBSPORT recommends the substitution because higher risks have been eliminated. Advantage or Disadvantage of alternative

Aspect	Advantage/disadvantage to conventional process
Technical requirements
Implementation	The alternative was accepted by both workers and employers. The time used for substitution proved satisfactory for the employers.
Operational expenses
etc.

State of implementation

Full capacity

Date and place of implementation

2008 in Spain

Availability ofAlternative

The product is distributed under the commercial name IPAFIX.

Producer/Provider

www.fujihunt.com

Type of information supplier

User

Contact

www.ccoomadrid.es

Other solutions

It is important to note that the other alternative suggested for substitution was safer and implied lesser environmental and health risks since it was a vegetable oil-based compound (Feboclean) . The safer alternative was rejected by the employers due to its low volatility and slow drying time which eventually delayed the process.

Further information

BG ETEM: Database of Approved Washing and Cleaning Agents for Offset Printing http://praevention-dp-bgetem.bg-KOOPeration.de/?set_language=en

Date, reviewed

February 27, 2020