Proposal for group classification of nickel compounds
1 August 2005
In April 2005, the D-EPA wrote to the classification/labelling and export/import division of the European Chemicals Bureau. They pointed out that Norway had proposed that a group of approx. 125 inorganic nickel compounds be classified as Carc. Cat 1. The proposal was discussed by the classification and labelling working group who agreed not to discuss it until the decision on classification of nickel chloride had been reached. D-EPA considers a group approach – based on their solubility characteristics - to be appropriate for over 160 compounds.
In May, Eurometaux/ENIA jointly wrote to the classification/labelling and export/import division of ECB expressing their concern that some entries in the Danish proposal would fall out of the scope of the Classification and Labelling Group, and whether there was an adequate scientific basis for the read-across. They also asked for answers to some specific questions.
In June, NiPERA, representing the interests of the nickel industry, offered their comments, particularly on the scientific soundness of the read-across.
Discussions are scheduled to take place during meetings in September.
Documents can be viewed on the relevant section of the ECB website:
http://ecb.jrc.it/
Rosemarie Evans
revans@nickelinstitute.org
