Number

046-EN

Section

General Section

Use

Abstract

Substitution of a finishing compound based on epoxy resins containing carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, neurotoxicants and volatile organic compounds: naphtalene, 1,2,4 -trimethylbenzene, ethylbenzene, naphta (heavy aromatic fractions), titanium dioxide. Introduction of a water-based finishing compound in a repair workshop of a company specialized in bodyworks for buses.

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
ED
neurotoxicant

Hazard Assessment

Substituted substances:

Naphtha, heavy arom, may cause lung damage if swallowed (R65 and H304)

Naphthalene is 2B carcinogen (IARC), endocrine disruptor (SIN List) as listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORT Screening Criteria (SDSC). It is harmful if swallowed (R22). Also it is very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment R50/53

2-Methylpropan-1-ol   is irritanting to respiratory system and skin  (R37/38) and it may cause drownsiness and dizziness ( R67) . The substance causes serious eye damange and also it is flammable liquid and vapour (R10 )

1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene is irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin (R36/37/38). It is Toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment (R51/53). Also it is harmful by inhalation (R20).

Ethylbenzene is 2B carcinogen (IARC) as listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORT Screening Criteria (SDSC). It is  harmful by inhalation (R20) and highly flammable (H225)

Xylene is harmful by inhalation and in contact with skin (R20/21) and it is irritanting (R38).

Titanium dioxide is 2B carcinogen (IARC) as listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORT Screening Criteria (SDSC).
1-Methoxypropan-2-ol may cause drownsiness and dizziness ( R67) and also is flammable liquid and vapour (R10 )

2-Butoxyethyl acetate is harmful by inhalation and in contact with skin (R20/21)

Zinc oxide is very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment (R50/53)

Alternative substances:

Ethanol is highly flammable liquid and vapour.

Ammonia, aqueous solution causes burns (R34) and is very toxic to aquatic organisms (R50) .



Though the alternative has risks, these are much less important and the safety is improved.

Description of Substitution

In this case a company substituted an epoxy resin in a company specialized in buses? bodyworks. Epoxy resin is a thermosetting polymers used in printed layers as a protection against corrosive agents and to improve the adherence of paints. This experience deals specifically with resins that contained several substances hazardous to human health and implied a significant occupational risk. The regional trade union?s health and safety department in Aragon (Spain) requested the product?s safety data sheet and detected that it contained naphthalene (carcinogen, endocrine disruptor, neurotoxic and very toxic for the aquatic environment).

During the assembly of buses, bodyworks might be scratched and dented. Those imperfections are repaired before painting. The painting of buses is carried out in an enclosed area with an air extraction system and the required filters. However if repairs are carried out when the bus is already painted, the repainting occurs outside the enclosed area, in the company?s workshop with a spray gun. Is at this process where the epoxy resin was used.

The introduced change was the substitution of an epoxy resin finishing compound (the one used to protect bodyworks from oxidation) by a water-based compound of the IDROSTAR series (very similar to the one used in car repair workshops).

The substitute based on ethanol and ammonia is less toxic (it is used to cover metal bodyworks after small dents repairs) and does not require electric finishing.

The main goal of the regional trade union health and safety department is to use this successful substitution practice to encourage the substitution of other solvents and pain currently in use at the company.

Advantage

The measure implies almost no cost for the company and does not change the production process.

Case/substitution evaluation

The alternative product contains ethanol. As a carcinogen, mutagen and toxic for reproduction if contained in alcoholic beverages, ethanol would not comply with SUBSPORT criteria for recommended alternatives substances, but in this specific case it does not represent any health risks.

The alternative product also contains ammonia which is very toxic for aquatic organisms.

Occupational risks reduced significantly as a consequence of substitution given the fact that the substituted product contained carcinogens, endocrine disruptors and highly dangerous neurotoxic substances.

State of implementation

In use

Date and place of implementation

2007 Spain

Enterprise using the alternative

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tata_Hispano

Availability of Alternative

On the market

Producer/Provider

www.chimigraf.com

Type of information supplier

User

Contact

www.aragon.ccoo.es/

Date, reviewed

February 27, 2020