On the basis of a report by the evaluating member state, Poland, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA, Helsinki / Finland; www.echa.europa.eu/) has determined the risks associated with the use of TDI within the EU “are under appropriate control.” The body that administers REACH added there were caveats about exposure to the polyurethane feedstock in the workplace as it may cause occupational asthma; however, it said that if current occupational exposure limits are adhered to and good control is practised, isocyanate-related asthma can be minimised.

TDI is one of four substances for which evaluation was begun in 2012. In all four cases, “the evaluating member states did not ask for further information, and there was therefore no draft decision,” ECHA said, adding that, “the evaluating member state has instead finalised its assessment and drawn conclusions about the suspected risks.”

Ethylene oxide (EO) was evaluated by Austria, which concluded that “community level agreement is needed an acceptable risk level for workers and the general population with regard to the carcinogenic potential of substances, including ethylene oxide.” This substance also may cause allergic skin reactions, the reviewers noted.

For toluene, one of the components of TDI, evaluator Finland said it agrees with the EU risk assessment report from 2002, which indicated that occupational exposure (50 ppm) could be too high and should be reconsidered. The 2002 report recommended that 20 ppm was a more appropriate long-term exposure level.

For tributyl phosphate, evaluated by Hungary, the reviewers saw no need for any additional risk management measures and concluded that “the current CLP classification for the human health endpoints is appropriate.”

The ECHA said it invited the member states, competent authorities and the Commission to consider if further action is necessary.