On 13 February 2020, ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) opened a public consultation on the proposal for a harmonised classification of Methyl Methacrylate as a category 1 respiratory sensitizer. The consultation is open until 27 February 2020.
Methyl methacrylate (CAS: 80-62-6; EC: 201-297-1) whose functions listed by CosIng are anti-caking and opacifying agent is already listed in Annex VI of the CLP Regulation with the following harmonized classifications :
• Flam. Liq. 2 (Hazard statement H225: Highly flammable liquid and vapour)
• STOT SE 3 (Hazard statement H335: May cause respiratory irritation)
• Skin Irrit. 2 (Hazard statement H315: Causes skin irritation)
• Skin Sens. 1 (Hazard statement H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction)
The CLH opinion for this substance is scheduled for discussion by the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) at its March 2020 meeting and will include information from a recently published study which is additional to that included in the CLH report to support its conclusions on classification for respiratory sensitisation. This study is the subject of the ad hoc consultation.
It suggests a further classification of the substance as Resp. Sens. 1, Hazard statement H334: May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled).
This consultation is open until 27 February 2020.