Substitution of plastic paints by mineral-based paints in Metro Madrid

Number

063-EN

Section

General Section

Use

Sector

Other

Function

Reducing agent

Process

Other

Product category

Cosmetics, personal care products
other

Application

Permanent waving solution

Abstract

Madrid’s underground metropolitan transport company (metro) decided to substitute regular plastic paints which contained titanium dioxide, xylene and toluene, by mineral paints based on barium sulfate, quartz and mica that do not represent any health or environmental hazards and require less frequent maintenance.

Substituted substances

Titanium dioxide

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

Chemical group

Titanverbindungen; Metalloxide

Classification: hazard statements

H351 Suspected of causing cancer

Other adverse effects

Der Stoff ist: ein 2B Karzinogen (IARC); wie der Datenbank der nach SUBSPORT-Kriterien gefährlichen Stoffe zu entnehmen ist.

Xylene

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

Chemical group

Aromatische Kohlenwasserstoffe

Classification: hazard statements

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

Toluene

CAS No. 108-88-3 EC No. 203-625-9 Index No. 601-021-00-3

Chemical group

Aromatische Kohlenwasserstoffe

Classification: hazard statements

H225 Highly flammable liquid and vapour
H361d Suspected of damaging the unborn child
H304 May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways
H336 May cause drowsiness or dizziness
H373 May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
H315 Causes skin irritation

Alternative Substances

Barium sulfate

CAS No. 7727-43-7 EC No. 231-784-4 Index No. 056-002-00-7

Chemical group

Bariumverbindungen; Sulfate

Classification: hazard statements

H332 Harmful if inhaled
H302 Harmful if swallowed

Quartz

CAS No. 14808-60-7 EC No. 238-878-4 Index No.

Chemical group

Siliciumdioxide

Other adverse effects

Der Stoff ist: ein 1 Karzinogen (IARC); wie der Datenbank der nach SUBSPORT-Kriterien gefährlichen Stoffe zu entnehmen ist.

Water

CAS No. 7732-18-5 EC No. 231-791-2 Index No.

Chemical group

Nichtmetalloxide

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

Titanium dioxide is 2B carcinogen (IARC) as listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORT Screening Criteria (SDSC). Xylene is classified as harmful by skin contact and inhalation (H312 and H332), and causes skin irritation (H315). Toluene is classified as reproduction toxic cat. 2 (H361d) and has other toxic effects (H304, H225, H315, H373, H336). The alternative substances have no harmonized classification. However, quartz dust has been classified as a carcinogen cat. 1 by IARC and for this reason it is in the SDSC database.» Check the Substance Database according to SUBSPORT Screening Criteria (SDSC)

Description of Substitution

Introduction The substitution process was carried out in the company Metro Madrid. The company began a series of maintenance works in several facilities and sought an enduring paint that would reduce the frequency of maintenance. The paint regularly used by the company was a conventional plastic paint which contained titanium dioxide (carcinogen), xylene (neurotoxic) and toluene (toxic for reproduction) among other chemicals. The company management decided to substitute it by a mineral-based paint whose components, barium sulphate, quartz and mica are nor hazardous to human health and the environment. Water is used as solvent with these kinds of paints. Toxic hazard was one the reasons that led to substitution. Other reasons included a higher durability and colour stability of the mineral paint, a factor that reduced the frequency of maintenance tasks. The mineral paint also had a good adherence to the surface (wall) and did not become an additional coat as in the case of plastic paint. Durability and transpiration were better which prevented mould and humidity. Substitution was implemented in 2007 in Spain and mineral paints have been used since then. Description of procedure or technology (including pre-/post-processing) Way of application: e.g. spraying, dipping, open/closed system etc. 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 Substitution of a hazardous substances based paint by using a water-based mineral paint Risk reduction by alternative: Environment: e.g. waste reduced/increased

Case/substitution evaluation

Case/substitution evaluation Health hazards reduced significantly. The alternative substances have no harmonized classification and the color itself was also not classified by the manufacturer. Since the alternative paint contains quartz in liquid form and not the quartz dust (IARC Carcinogen Cat. 1), it is an appropriate alternative. Advantage or Disadvantage of alternative

Aspect

Advantage/disadvantage to conventional process

Technical requirements

A higher durability and colour stability of the mineral paint - a factor that reduced the frequency of maintenance tasks.

A good adherence to the surface (wall) – it did not become an additional coat as in the case of plastic paint.

Better durability and transpiration which prevented mould and humidity.

Implementation

 

Operational expenses

 

etc.

 

Date and place of implementation

Germany

Availability ofAlternative

Available

Type of information supplier

Producer / distributor

Contact

www.keim.com/de-de/

Further information

Sicherheitsdatenblatt des Alternativprodukts KEIM SOLDALIT® https://www.keim.com/de-de/mineralische-produkte/fassadenfarben/soldalit/

Publication source: author, company, institute, year

National Allergy research Center Department of Dermato-Allergology

https://www.videncenterforallergi.dk

Date, reviewed

February 27, 2020