On 15 April 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published Finland’s proposal to amend the harmonised classification and labelling (CLH) of Hydrogen peroxide, in particular to add the criterion of hazard to the aquatic environment.
Hydrogen peroxide (CAS No.7722-84-1, EC No.231-765-0, INCI: Hydrogen Peroxide) is an ingredient listed in Cosing, with the following functions: Antimicrobial, Oral care, Oxidising.
The substance is currently listed in Annex III/12 (restricted substances) of European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009, which sets different maximum concentrations depending on the types of products in which it is authorised, with instructions for use and warnings that must appear on the labelling.
It is also already listed in Annex VI/008-003-00-9 of the European CLP Regulation 1272/2008, with the following classifications:
• Ox. Liq. 1, H271 - May cause fire or explosion; strong oxidiser.
• Acute Tox. 4 (*), H302 - Harmful if swallowed.
• Acute Tox. 4 (*), H332 - Harmful if inhaled.
• Skin Corr. 1A, H314 - Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
Finland is proposing to amend this classification as follows:
• Ox. Liq. 1, H271 - May cause fire or explosion; strong oxidiser.
• Acute Tox. 3, H301 - Toxic if swallowed.
• Acute Tox. 4, H332 - Harmful if inhaled.
• Skin Corr. 1A, H314 - Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
• Aquatic Chronic 3, H412 - Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Sources
• ECHA …