On 20 December 2023, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published the Netherlands’ proposal for an harmonised classification and labelling (CLH) for Silicon dioxide (nano).
This proposal from the Netherlands concerns silicon dioxide (CAS No.7631-86-9, EC No.231-545-4).
Three ingredients for cosmetic use listed in the CosIng have the same CAS and EC numbers:
• Silica (Abrasive, Absorbent, Anticaking, Blulking, Opacifying, Viscosity controlling)
• Hydrated Silica (Abrasive, Absorbent, Anticaking, Blulking, Opacifying, Viscosity controlling)
• Solum Diatomeae (Abrasive, Absorbent, Anticaking, Opacifying).
The Netherlands propose to classify them as:
• STOT RE 1, H372 - Causes damage to organs (or a specific organ) through prolonged or repeated exposure.
In its Scientific Advice on the safety of nanomaterials in cosmetics, the SCCS had already indicated that “the use of nano-structured forms of silica in cosmetic products, especially those that may lead to oral or inhalation exposure to nanoparticles, raises concern over safety of the consumer.”
Sources
• ECHA Weekly - New intention and proposals to harmonise classification and labelling, ECHA, 20 December 2023
• Registry of CLH intentions until outcome - Silicon dioxide, ECHA, 14 December 2023
