ECHA Opens Consultation on Draft OEL for Chemical Used in Grouting, Sealing Products

ECHA recently announced that it is launching a consultation to support its Committee for Risk Assessment in adopting an opinion on n-(hydroxymethyl)acrylamide, or NMA, a chemical used in the synthesis of grouting, sealing, and soil stabilization products. Polymers based on NMA, a monomer, are used in many applications including adhesives, inks, paints, resins, coatings, and plastics.

Stakeholders are invited to submit comments on a draft scientific report that evaluates limit values for NMA in workplaces. According to the report, details on occupational exposures to NMA are limited. The report mentions a study of exposures to grout containing NMA during the construction of tunnels in Sweden and Norway, which resulted in dermal exposure during injection of the grout, mixing of solutions that contained NMA, and cleaning of equipment. The study did not provide data on exposures.

Based on studies of non-cancer effects of NMA exposure to experimental animals, the draft report suggests an eight-hour time-weighted average exposure limit of 0.3 mg/m3. The report also proposes a skin notation for NMA.

The draft report is available as a PDF. Visit the ECHA website for more information about the proposed consultation or to submit comments on the report. Comments are due March 17.