News about the restriction proposal on methanol

In a meeting held last March, the Committee for Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) and after the restriction proposal presented by Poland, it has been accepted the restriction on methanol concentration in windshield washing fluids and denatured ethanol. During the public consultation, made last year, four comments were received related to this restriction proposal. Therefore, the Committee has finally concluded to restrict the use of methanol in order to avoid risks, so, consequently, the concentration limits will be lower. 

Restriction on D4 and D5 

During the same meeting, the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) talked about the restriction, proposed by United Kingdom, of two other chemical substances: octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, as known as D4 and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, or D5, this time to avoid its placing in the market. D4 and D5 are substances widely used in applications as personal care, cosmetic and cleaning products, among others.

As a basis for the restriction, it was stated that D4 is a persistent, bio-accumulative and toxic substance (PBT) and D5, a very persistent and very bio-accumulative (vPvB) chemical substance. This restriction was carried out due to these properties and their possible consequences in the environment, such as their accumulation and long-term effects, and is mainly aimed at personal care products, such as shower gels, shaving foams and shampoos, given the direct transference of these substances to the aquatic environment.