For the first time, ECHA has non-approved a biocide that is used in metalworking fluids. The isothiazolinone MBIT is considered dangerous for groundwater – an important fresh water supply.
European Chemicals Agency ECHA announced in December 19th 2016 that the biocide substance 2-methyl-1,2-benzothiazol-3(2H)-one, also called MBIT, got a non-approval as an active ingredient for use in metalworking fluids (product-type 13 in the Biocidal Products Regulation).
This is the first time a substance in metalworking fluids isn’t recommended for approval because of the inherent risks.
The reason for the non-approval are the unacceptable risks identified for groundwater for several metabolites of MBIT. Which metabolites and whether they have any similarities with those from other isothiazolinones are not specified in the press release. It should be something unique to the MBIT since the isothiazolinones MIT and CMIT/MIT has been approved.
Chemicals legislation in the EU
Changes within the chemicals legislation are affecting the metalworking industry a lot right now. With our e-book, you can keep up to date. (CS)
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