On 31 October 2023, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) launched two targeted consultations on ingredients that could be used in cosmetics: three lithium compounds (Lithium Carbonate, Lithium Chloride and Lithium Hydroxide) and Methyl Methacrylate.
Lithium compounds
This targeted consultation covers three substances:
• Lithium Carbonate (No.CAS: 554-13-2; No.CE: 209-062-5; CosIng functions: Buffering / Hair waving or straightening)
• Lithium Chloride (No.CAS: 7447-41-8; No.CE: 231-212-3; CosIng functions: Not reported)
• Lithium Hydroxide (No.CAS: 1310-65-2; No.CE: 215-183-4; CosIng functions: Buffering / Hair waving or straightening)
It follows the publication of a new study (Boyle et al. (2017).
On request of The European Commission, ECHA is requesting any relevant additional data related to cardiac foetal malformations compared to the information considered in the opinion of the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) adopted on 16 September 2021 on Lithium Carbonate, Lithium Chloride and Lithium Hydroxide. RAC will review the submitted information, clarify the evidence available and the association between exposure to lithium salts and cardiac foetal malformations, and, if necessary, amend its opinion.
As a reminder, on the basis of an original initiative by the French ANSES, it is proposed that the three substances be included in Annex VI of the European CLP Regulation 1272/2008 with the following classifications:
• Repr. 1A; H360Fd - May damage fertility. May damage the unborn child.
• Lact. ; H362 - May cause harm to breast-fed children.
This consultation is …