Helsinki - the European Chemicals Agency has added MOCA (methyl-bischloroaniline) to its list of substances for authorisation from the Candidate List.
MOCA is a curative for polyurethane elastomers, and is still in wide use globally, although the European polyurethanes sector recognised that this move by ECHA was on the cards, and has taken steps to develop and commercialised alternatives.
Also in this list is 'technical MDA' (methylene diamine), described as a reaction product of formaldehyde with aniline.
For each substance recommended for inclusion in Annex XIV,ECHA notes, a deadline (the sunset date) is suggested after which companies will only be able to use it within the EU if an authorisation has been granted.
Both MOCA and technical MDA are classified as a class 1B carginogen (may cause cancer).
MDA itself is already on the authorisation list. MDA is an intermediate produced in the manufacture of MDI (methylene diphenyl diisocyanate), but not isolated.
Technical MDA and MDA are both used as polymer curatives, particularly as a hardener for epoxy resins and adhesives.
Also on the latest list is dimethyl acetamide, used as a solvent in making synthetic fibres.
Some of the other substances are used in anti-corrosion surface treatments or anti-corrosion coatings
This new list of ten materials is the fourth one ECHA has produced.
In a press release, ECHA said "The new substances have been prioritised based on their hazard properties, volumes used, and use related potential for exposure to humans."
According to ECHA, the final decision on the inclusion of the substances in Annex XIV (the authorisation list) and on their sunset dates will be taken by the European Commission in collaboration with member states and the European Parliament.
