ECHA Proposes Restriction on 2,4-DNT

Starting on 2021-09-22, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) launched a public consultation on the proposal to restrict 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) under REACH Annex XVII.  This consultation on the proposed restriction will end on 2022-03-22.

Significance:

2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) is classified as a carcinogen category 1B (associated with renal cell cancer), it was included in the candidate list for authorization and into Annex XIV of REACH with a sunset date of 2015-08-21.

The ECHA determined that there are uses of 2,4-DNT in articles such as refractories, automotive airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners, plastic bottles used in industrial settings for sample taking purposes, and propellants for military and civil small-arms ammunitions.  Consumer and professional exposure may occur from the uses identified and due to the non-threshold effects of 2,4-DNT; these exposures may pose a risk that is not adequately controlled.  The Dossier Submitter concluded that action is required to reduce risks for consumers and professional workers on a union-wide level and proposed that restriction is the most appropriate measure.  

The restriction is assumed to impose very low costs to reduce potential risk and alternatives to 2,4-DNT exist for the identified uses; given the information at hand, it is assumed that the measure is proportionate to the risk assuming a 12-month transition time.

Proposed Restriction:

Effective Date:

12 months after the date of entry into force.

References:

https://www.echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/2932e084-dfb0-85d9-785a-f93f6ce8777d

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