Number
141-EN
Section
General Section
Use
Sector
Printing and reproduction of recorded media
Function
Adsorbent
Process
Treatment of articles by dipping and pouring
Product category
Adsorbents
Application
preparation of offset printing plates
Abstract
Hydroquinone is an ingredient in photographic developers for the preparation of offset printing plates. Using thermal instead of chemical engraving allows for the elimination of hydroquinone.
Substituted substances
Hydroquinone
CAS No. 123-31-9 EC No. 204-617-8 Index No. 604-005-00-4
Chemical group
Phenols
Classification: hazard statements
H351 Suspected of causing cancer
H341 Suspected of causing genetic defects
H302 Harmful if swallowed
H318 Causes serious eye damage
H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction
H400 Very toxic to aquatic life
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
Other type of alternative
Laser treatment of printing plate.
Hazard Assessment
Substance to be substituted: Hydroquinone is: 1A or 1B carcinogen (CLP Regulation) and a sensitiser (H317, H334; CLP Regulation) as listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORTplus Screening Criteria (SDSC). Alternative substance: Non-chemical alternative. Hazards not assessed in SUBSPORTplus.
Description of Substitution
Preparation of offset printing plates uses chemical products containing hydroquinone, a skin sensitiser and a suspected carcinogen and mutagen. An alternative process, that eliminates hydroquinone, uses an aluminium plate covered by thermoplastic particles that are melted by exposure to laser, making them adherent to the plate, in the areas that need to be covered by ink. In the area that needs to remain clean (without ink) the non-activated particles are brushed away.
Case/substitution evaluation
Hydroquinone can be eliminated by a technology with good performance. Implementing the technology requires technological investments for a specific machine. This substitution is successful in the complete elimination of chemical hazards to human health
State of implementation
In use
Date and place of implementation
France
Availability ofAlternative
Alternative available on the market
Type of information supplier
Authority
Contact
INSTITUT NATIONAL DE RECHERCHE ET DE SÉCURITÉ pour la prévention des accidents du travail et des maladies professionnelle), France, http://www.inrs.fr www.inrs.fr
Type of publication and availability
Fact sheet, in French
Publication source: author, company, institute, year
The Fact sheet was developed by CNAMTS and INRS, France and published by INRS on its website in 2007.
Publication source
Type of publication and availability
http://www.inrs.fr/accueil/produits/mediatheque/doc/publications.html?refINRS=FAS%2012
Date, reviewed
December 11, 2020