Number
253-EN
Section
General Section
Use
Sector
Manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products, electrical equipment
General manufacturing, e.g. machinery, equipment, vehicles, other transport equipment
Other
Function
Biocide
Lubricating agent
Process
Other
Product category
Biocidal products
Application
Kühlschmierstoffe
Abstract
Boric acid is classified toxic for reproduction EU 1B and endocrine disruptor. It can be substituted by lactic acid with good results in keeping bacteria and fungi under control in water mixable cooling lubricants.
Substituted substances
Boric acid
CAS No. 10043-35-3 EC No. 233-139-2 Index No. 005-007-00-2
Chemical group
Boron compounds; inorganic acids
Classification: hazard statements
H360FD May damage fertility. May damage the unborn child
Other adverse effects
The substance is: endocrine disruptor cat. 1 (EU EDC database), as listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORT Screening Criteria (SDSC).
Alternative Substances
Lactic acid
CAS No. 50-21-5 EC No. 200-018-0 Index No.
Chemical group
Carboxylic acids
Reliability of information
Evidence of implementation: there is evidence that the solution was implemented and in use at time of publication
Reason substitution
CMR
ED
Hazard Assessment
Substance to be substituted: Boric acid is a Substance of very high concern and is included on the REACH candidate list for authorization, according to Article 59 of Regulation (EG) No. 1907/2006. (REACH Regulation). Alternative substance: Lactic acid 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
Boric acid has been used for its bactericidal properties in many products while believed to be safe. After it was included on several lists of hazardous substances, including the ECHA candidate list of substances of very high concern, safer alternatives were looked for. Lactic acid can substitute boric acid to prevent the development of bacteria and fungi in cooling lubricants. It can be used for water mixable lubricants based on mineral or ester oil. It works well for machining steel, casting and aluminium alloys. It provides good stability to cooling emulsions by helping to prevent microbial degradation. According to the producer the lactic acid has the following advantages: -it gives comparable or even better biocidal results than boric acid, -it does not generate crystals like the boric acid under certain conditions; - it does not generate residues difficult to re-emulsify; - it does not generate unpleasant odour - at recommended concentrations it is not corrosive - it shows good rinsing and cleaning properties. The disadvantage, according to the producer, is that it precipitates at higher level of water hardness.
Case/substitution evaluation
The substitution is easy to implement. Proliferation of microorganisms in cooling fluids has been regarded in the past as mainly a technological problem. However, exposure to biological agents and to the toxic substances they may generate (mycotoxins) is important to workers health because they may cause diseases and allergies. The biocidal products are therefore needed, but their hazards also need to be taken into consideration. The lactic acid is not classified as hazardous and after its use in various sectors, including consumer goods like cosmetics, it is generally considered safe.
State of implementation
In use
Availability ofAlternative
Alternative is available on the market.
Producer/Provider
Curtis systems GmbH, Hochheim
Type of information supplier
Producer / distributor
Contact
The description is based on the presentation Alternative to boric acid. New bacteriostatics for cooling lubricants by Joachim Weimer, from Curtis systems GmbH, Hochheim, and was published by Curtis systems on their website (https://www.curtis-systems.de/de) in 2007.
Further information
Lactic acid MSDS from Sigma Aldrich
Curtis systems GmbH:cooling lubricants MSDS
Type of publication and availability
Producer presentation on website
Date, reviewed
November 26, 2021