Health and environment: use of nonylphenol, nonylphenol ethoxylate and cement (26th amend. Directive 76/769/EEC)

PURPOSE : to introduce harmonised provisions on the marketing and use of NP, NPE and cement (twenty-sixth amendment of Council Directive 76/769/EEC). CONTENT : Nonylphenol (NP) is used as an intermediate in the production of nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPE) (e.g. for use in detergents and paints), in the production of resins, plastics, stabilisers in the polymer industry, in the manufacture of phenolic oximes, and in some speciality paints. The risks to the health and environment of NP and NPE have been assessed under Council Regulation 793/93/EEC of 23 March 1993 on the evaluation and control of the risks of existing substances. The risk assessment identified a need for reducing the risks from NP and NPE to the environment. On the basis of the risk assessments and recommended risk reduction strategies, the Commission proposes to restrict the marketing and use of NP and NPE and of preparations containing them. It should be added that cement can contain small amounts of watersoluble chromium VI, which is classified as carcinogenic and sensitising. Chromium VI in cement can induce painful, disabling, allergic eczema in people exposed to wet cement preparations. On the basis of existing scientific evidence, the Commission proposes to restrict the marketing and use of cement containing more than 2 ppm chromium VI. The proposed Directive would introduce harmonised provisions on the marketing and use of NP, NPE and cement.�