The Commission has restricted the use of the chemicals N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAC) and 1-ethylpyrrolidin-2-one (NEP) to protect workers from exposure to these substances.
DMAC and NEP are solvents used in many industrial processes, including the production of chemicals, coatings, cleaning agents and fibres. DMAC is commonly used to manufacture synthetic fibres and varnishes for electrical cables, while NEP is found in products such as cleaning solutions, agrochemicals and building materials. Both substances are also used in laboratories.
The new measures, adopted under the EU Regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), set strict exposure limits for both inhalation and skin contact. These limits will protect workers who handle these substances on a regular basis.
To support implementation, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) will update existing guidance to include these substances. This will help companies to better understand and comply with the new requirements.
The restriction will be implemented within 18 months to allow users to adapt to the new requirements. For the use of DMAC in the man-made fibres sectors, a longer transitional period of four years is foreseen.
More information: EUR-Lex
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