Public consultation of ANSES's proposal for classification of 2-methoxyethyl acrylate
ANSES has submitted a classification proposal for 2-methoxyethyl acrylate to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in line with the CLP regulation (classification, labelling and packaging of chemical substances). This proposal has been open for public consultation on the ECHA website since 14 March 2017, to give all stakeholders an opportunity to present their position, their scientific arguments, or any additional information they may have. Following this public consultation, which is open for 45 days, a final opinion will be adopted by the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) at the ECHA and forwarded to the European Commission for a decision on whether or not to include ANSES’s proposed classification in the CLP regulation.
The chemical substance 2-methoxyethyl acrylate is a compound used in industry in the manufacturing of chemical products, rubber, and plastic and printing materials.
2-methoxyethyl acrylate does not currently have a harmonised European classification within the framework of the regulation on classification, labelling and packaging of chemical substances (CLP).
Currently available data show that 2-methoxyethyl acrylate is a flammable substance. Moreover, it results in death after single exposure orally or by inhalation in rodents. On the basis of experimental studies, it is also corrosive for the skin and the eyes, a respiratory irritant, and a skin sensitiser. Considering in vitro data in cells and in vivo data in rodents, 2-methoxyethyl acrylate is suspected of inducing genetic abnormalities. Lastly, 2-methoxyethyl acrylate has harmful effects on fertility and embryonal development in rodents.
This evidence led ANSES to propose classification as per the CLP regulation for all these effects:
- flammable liquid and vapour; category 3 (H226);
- harmful if swallowed; category 4 (H302);
- toxic if inhaled; category 3 (H331);
- causes severe skin burns and eye damage; category 1C (H314);
- causes serious eye damage; category 1 (H318);
- may cause an allergic skin reaction; category 1 (H317);
- suspected of causing genetic defects; category 2 (H341);
- may damage fertility or the unborn child; category 1B (H360FD).
This proposal was opened to public consultation on the ECHA website on 14 March to give all stakeholders an opportunity to present their position, their scientific arguments, or any additional information they may have.
This public consultation is open for 45 days. Comments can be made via a specific form on the ECHA website.
Following this consultation phase, ANSES will be charged with replying to the comments received. The initial proposal, the comments, and the corresponding replies will be communicated to the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) at the ECHA, which will forward its final opinion to the European Commission.
On the basis of this opinion, the European Commission will decide whether or not to include the harmonised classification proposed by ANSES in the CLP regulation.