Polymer in Glassodur-MS Scratch Resistant Clear 923-43
File No: NA/367
Date:6th March 1996
NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS NOTIFICATION
AND ASSESSMENT SCHEME
FULL PUBLIC REPORT
Polymer in Glassodur-MS Scratch Resistant Clear 923-43
T h i s Assessment has been compiled in accordance with the provisions of the
Industrial Chemicals (Notification and Assessment) Act 1989 (the Act), and
R e g u l a t i o n s . This legislation is an Act of the Commonwealth of Australia. The
National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) is
administered by Worksafe Australia which also conducts the occupational health &
safety assessment. The assessment of environmental hazard is conducted by the
Department of the Environment, Sport, and Territories and the assessment of
public health is conducted by the Department of Human Services and Health.
For the purposes of subsection 78(1) of the Act, copies of this full public report may
be inspected by the public at the Library, Worksafe Australia, 92-94 Parramatta
Road, Camperdown NSW 2050, between the hours of 10.00 a.m. and 12.00 noon
and 2.00 p.m. and 4.00 p.m. each week day except on public holidays.
For Enquiries please contact the Administration Coordinator at:
Street Address: 92 Parramatta Rd Camperdown, NSW 2050, AUSTRALIA
Postal Address: GPO Box 58, Sydney 2001, AUSTRALIA
Telephone: (61) (02) 565-9466 FAX (61) (02) 565-9465
Director
Chemicals Notification and Assessment
NA/367
FULL PUBLIC REPORT
Polymer in Glassodur-MS Scratch Resistant Clear 923-43
1. APPLICANT
European Automotive Paint Supplies Pty Ltd of 59 Goodwood Road WAYVILLE
South Australia 5034 has submitted a limited notification with their application for
an assessment certificate for the polymer in Glassodur-MS Scratch Resistant
Clear 923-43. The notified polymer will be used as a binder in solvent borne clear
coats of lacquer used for automotive crash repairs.
2. IDENTITY OF THE CHEMICAL
Based on the nature of the chemical and the data provided the polymer in
Glassodur-MS Scratch Resistant Clear 923-43 is considered to be non-hazardous.
Therefore, the chemical name, CAS number, molecular and structural formulae,
molecular weight, composition of the chemical, purity, methods of detection and
determination, spectral data and exact import volumes and environmental release
volumes have been exempted from publication in the Full Public Report and the
Summary Report.
Other name: none
Trade name: polymer in Glassodur-MS Scratch
Resistant Clear 923-43
Method of detection the polymer is identified using Infra
and determination: red (IR) spectroscopy; Gel Permeation
Chromatography (GPC) analysis is used to
determine molecular weight and weight
distribution
3. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
As the notified polymer is imported for use dissolved in solvents and is not
isolated as a defined entity, some physical and chemical properties have been
determined solely for the formulation and not for the polymer. This is indicated
below:
Appearance at 20癈 and 101.3 kPa: clear colourless liquid (formulation;
polymer in 49% solvent carrier)
Odour: solvent odour (formulation)
Melting Point/Boiling Point: M.P. not applicable, expected to boil
at the B.P. of the solvent carrier
Glass-transition Temperature: not determined
0.983 g cm-3 at 20癈
Density:
FULL PUBLIC REPORT 2
Vapour Pressure: not determined
Water Solubility: not quantified; not considered soluble
Fat Solubility: not determined
Partition Co-efficient
(n-octanol/water) log Pow: not determined
Hydrolysis as a function of pH: not determined
Adsorption/Desorption: not determined
Dissociation Constant
pKa: not determined
Flash Point: 24癈 (formulation)
Flammability Limits: not determined
Combustion Products: not determined
Pyrolysis Products: oxides of carbon
Decomposition Temperature: not determined
Decomposition Products: carbon and nitrogen oxides
Autoignition Temperature: not determined
Explosive Properties: molecular structure does not indicate
a potential explosion hazard
Reactivity/Stability: considered stable, however may react with
strong oxidising substances, alkalis and
acids
Particle size distribution: not applicable, in a solvent carrier
? Comments on physico-chemical properties
The lack of data on the polymer is due to the fact that the polymer is manufactured
and stored in the solvent solution until mixed to form the final paint product.
No data were provided for vapour pressure. By analogy with similar polymers, this
polymer is not expected to be volatile. For the polymer solution the vapour
pressure would be that of the constituent solvents.
The notifier claims that the polymer would not be soluble in water at room
temperature. This is acceptable by analogy with similar polyesters.
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No data were provided for partition coefficient on the grounds that "due to its
molecular size, the polymer is not expected to permeate through biological
membranes". The high molecular weight of the polymer is likely to prevent it from
crossing biological membranes, though some low molecular weight material may
do so. Again this test would be difficult to perform and interpret.
No data were provided for hydrolysis on the grounds that by analogy with similar
polymers, this polymer is not subject to hydrolysis. The polymer contains a
number of hydrolysable groups but hydrolysis under environmental conditions is
not expected due to low solubility.
No data were provided for adsorption/desorption on the grounds that as the
solvent evaporates from the polymer solution it will become more and more
viscous and sticky and will readily bind to the soil, thereby becoming immobilised.
This is acceptable.
No data were provided for dissociation constant. This is acceptable as no acidic
or basic functionalities are present in the molecule.
The chemical has the potential to react with strong acids, strong bases and
oxidising agents.
The polymer is not expected to degrade, decompose or depolymerise under
normal conditions of use. Thermal decomposition may release acrid and toxic
fumes that may include carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. No losses by
volatilisation, exudation or leaching are expected from the polymer.
4. PURITY OF THE CHEMICAL
Toxic or hazardous impurity: Residual monomers all below
threshold requiring hazardous
classification (1).
Non-hazardous impurity none
(> 1% by weight):
Additives/Adjuvants: formulation contains 2% additives.
The following information is provided for the formulation as the polymer is never
isolated and only imported in this form.
None of the additives/adjuvants (in the formulation) appear on the "List of
Designated Hazardous Substances" (1), however one of the additives is a skin
sensitiser (2) and another has been found to cause thymic atrophy in rats (2). The
low concentrations of these additives/adjuvants in the imported formulation are
unlikely to constitute a hazard.
The imported formulation also contains the following organic solvents:
FULL PUBLIC REPORT 4
Chemical Name CAS No. Weight
Percentage
xylene 1330-20-7 2.5-10
ethylbenzene 100-41-4 1-2.5
1,3,5-trimethylbenzene 108-67-8 1-2.5
N-butylacetate 123-86-4 10-25
solvent naptha 64742-95-5 25-50
propyl benzene 103-65-1 1-2.5
Although all solvents are below the thresholds for individual classification (1) as
hazardous substances in the mixture, their cumulative effect overall results in a
hazardous classification for the formulation.
5. INDUSTRIAL USE
The notified polymer will be used as a binder in solvent borne clear coats of
lacquer used for automotive crash repairs. It will be imported in 1 litre tins. The
polymer solution will be dispatched in original packaging to the end user (vehicle
repair shops around the country) and formulated prior to application to car bodies
in a controlled environment. Individual crash shops are expected to purchase the
product at the rate of ca. 1-2 cans per fortnight. The notified polymer comprises
49% of the imported lacquer formulation. The formulation will be imported into
Australia at a rate of <1 tonnes/annum for the next five years. The polymer is never
isolated as a defined entity but always remains in solution in a mixture of organic
solvents. The formulation is currently used in Europe for the same purpose that is
intended in Australia.
6. OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
The notified polymer will not be manufactured or isolated in Australia, it will only be
imported as a component of the formulation (49% in carrier solvents). Exposure
during unloading at the docks, during transport and warehousing will only occur
through accidental release of the formulation. It is imported in containers, with the
formulation prepacked in 1 litre tins.
The most significant area of occupational exposure to the notified polymer will be
at the end user, crash repair shops. The operators will be exposed for
approximately 5-10 minutes when the formulation is mixed with hardener and
reducer, then for an additional 10-45 minutes when spraying. Spray-painters are
therefore likely to be exposed for a maximum of 5 hours/week. It is anticipated by
the notifier that approximately 10 spray-painters will use the imported product. The
main exposure routes will be to exposed skin, eyes and through inhalation during
mixing and application. Exposure to the polymer will be limited in part due to its
high number-average molecular weight (NAMW) which will reduce transmission
across membranes including the skin. Exposure to the solvent carriers in the
paint formulations will be the main risk associated with the use of the
formulations; during mixing and application, ventilation and/or protective clothing
will be required to reduce exposure and ensure compliance with the exposure
standards for the solvents.
FULL PUBLIC REPORT 5
The formulation is applied using high pressure spray equipment in enclosed
spray booths with fume extraction systems. Spray-painters should be using
respirators to limit exposure to the organic solvents used in the formulation. This
is due to the solvents constituting the main risk in the use of the formulation
containing the notified polymer.
7. PUBLIC EXPOSURE
The product will be for use by professional spray painters, the only use being in the
automotive repair industry.
The paint is mixed with hardener and reducer then applied to metal car bodies
using high pressure equipment in enclosed spray booths with fume extraction
systems. The public will come into contact with the hardened, cured film of paint
on the surface of automobiles, and minimal exposure may occur if the paint film is
accidentally removed from the surface of the automobile. In such instances the
polymer will be effectively immobilised in the hardened lacquer, and should pose
negligible hazard to the public. The polymer is not expected to degrade,
decompose or depolymerise under normal conditions of use. The polymer
contains ester groups which are potentially vulnerable to hydrolysis, but this
process is unlikely to be significant because of low water solubility, and since the
resin is non-volatile there would be negligible release to the atmosphere.
Approximately 30% of the polymer will form waste in the form of overspray, which
will be disposed of in accordance with local, state or national regulations. Some
unused residues may be left in cans. Minor public exposure may result from
disposal of this waste, or disposal of vehicles coated with this product, or
accidental spillage of the notified polymer during transport and storage.
8. ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE
. Release
Due to the non volatile nature of the resin there would be negligible release to the
atmosphere. Paint manufacture and application processes are carried out in well
ventilated areas where atmospheric concentrations of vapours from the solvents
are monitored and extracted from the exhaust air.
Areas in the plant where spills may occur have cleanup materials available on site.
The polymer solution will be stored in 1 Litre cans, and dispatched by road
transport to the customer. As the polymer is produced as a 49% solution in
flammable solvents, it will be stored and transported according to the statutory
requirements applying to Class 3 Dangerous Goods.
The potential for release of polymer in the customer's factory occurs where the
paint is first thinned then applied in painting booths to metal car bodies. The plant
utilises an air ducting system for control of solvent vapour emissions and good
work practices are encouraged to minimise paint spills. Approximately 30% of the
FULL PUBLIC REPORT 6
polymer as paint overspray from the spray booths and residues left in used cans
will amount to wastage. It is proposed to dispose of this waste in accordance with
local, state or national EPA regulations.
. Fate
On disposal to landfill the polymer is expected to remain immobile and inert.
While the polymer contains ester groups which are potentially vulnerable to
hydrolysis and metabolism, these processes are unlikely to occur at significant
rates under environmental conditions due to low water solubility.
The resin in the paint formulation when applied and cured is in a form that is not readily
susceptible to breakdown in the environment. Under extreme heat conditions (eg. fire)
the paint film containing the polymer would burn emitting carbon and nitrogen oxides.
No loss of monomers, impurities or additives is expected to occur over the life of the car
which the paint has been applied to.
9. EVALUATION OF TOXICOLOGICAL DATA
For a synthetic polymer with NAMW > 1000, toxicology data are not required under
the Act. None was provided by the notifier.
The notified polymer has a NAMW of >1000 and is therefore not expected to
traverse biological membranes and constitute a toxicological hazard. Although the
notified polymer contains low levels of a number of residual monomers (in total
<1%), the levels are below that requiring the polymer to be classified as
hazardous. It also contains moderate levels of low molecular weight species
(<15% with NAMW <1000, <10% with NAMW <500), they are not expected to
present a significant toxicological threat however as there was no toxicological
information provided a comprehensive assessment could not be made.
10. ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
No ecotoxicological data were provided, which is acceptable for polymers of NAMW
> 1000 according to the Act.
11. ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD
The polymer is unlikely to present a significant hazard to the environment when it is
incorporated into the paint and applied to car bodies in the proposed manner.
The main environmental exposure arises from disposal of waste. The small
quantities involved, coupled with the high molecular weight, low water solubility,
and low vapour pressure, indicate the overall environmental hazard to be
negligible.
FULL PUBLIC REPORT 7
12. ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
EFFECTS
The notified polymer will be incorporated into automotive paint finishes and used
in spray booths, and will not be available to the general public. The public will
come into contact with the paint on the surface of automobiles, and minimal
exposure may occur if the paint film is accidentally removed from the surface of the
automobile The polymer will effectively be immobilised in the lacquer film. Due to
its large average molecular weight the notified substance is not expected to be
able to pass through biological membranes; as such it is expected to pose
negligible public risk. The potential for minor public exposure exists during
transport and disposal of the polymer formulation. This should be minimised by
following the recommended handling practices during storage, transportation and
waste disposal.
Occupational exposure to the notified polymer prior to its end use in crash repair
shops will be minimal, and will only occur if the tins in which it is imported, stored
and transported are ruptured accidentally. The formulation is classified as Class 3
dangerous goods and it is stored and transported in accordance with this
classification.
Occupational exposure will be greatest during the end use of the formulation in
motor vehicle repair shops. Up to 10 employees will be exposed to the notified
chemical for periods of approximately 5 hours/week. The formulation contains
hazardous solvents as such it should be used in vehicle spray booths with exhaust
ventilation to minimise exposure. If these precautions are taken then exposure to
the notified polymer will also be reduced. The main occupational exposure
pathways will be via dermal and ocular contact and through inhalation of paint mist
during the spray process. The use of industrial safety equipment including
goggles or face shields, clothing, gloves and respiratory protective devices will
minimise this exposure.
The high molecular weight of the polymer would limit transport across biological
membranes and the low level of residual monomers and absence of toxic or
hazardous impurities would further limit harmful biological effects. The polymer on
the basis of an assessment of the information provided by the notifier would not be
classified as hazardous, however no toxicological data is available to confirm this.
The polymer is not isolated or manufactured in Australia, only the formulation
Glassodur-MS Scratch Resistant Clear 923-43 is imported. Due to the solvent type
and concentration in the formulation, it is classified as hazardous according to the
criteria of Worksafe Australia.
FULL PUBLIC REPORT 8
13. RECOMMENDATIONS
To minimise occupational exposure to the polymer in Glassodur-MS Scratch
Resistant Clear 923-43 the following guidelines and precautions should be
observed. The precautions for the use of the notified polymer should recognise
the presence of the carrier solvents in the formulations:
. Local exhaust ventilation should be used during mixing.
. Application should take place in spray booths with appropriate engineering
controls to reduce exposure to employees.
. When using the notified chemical (as the imported formulation) the
following protective equipment should be worn:
- impervious gloves conforming to Australian Standards (AS)
AS 2161 (3),
- protective eye goggles conforming to AS 1336 (4),and AS/NZS 1337
(5)
- protective clothing conforming to AS 3765.2 (6), and
- protective footwear conforming to AS/NZS 2210 (7).
. If engineering controls are not sufficient to control exposure, the following
protective equipment should also be worn:
- respiratory protection conforming to AS/NZS 1715 (8) and AS/NZS
1716 (9).
. Good personal hygiene practices should be observed.
. A copy of the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) should be easily
accessible to employees.
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14. MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
The MSDS for the polymer in Glassodur-MS Scratch Resistant Clear 923-43 was
provided in a format similar to the Worksafe Australia format (10 ).
This MSDS was provided by European Automotive Paint Supplies Pty Ltd as part of
their notification statement. The accuracy of this information remains the
responsibility of European Automotive Paint Supplies Pty. Ltd.
15. REQUIREMENTS FOR SECONDARY NOTIFICATION
Under the Act, secondary notification of the polymer Glassodur-MS Scratch
Resistant Clear 923-43 shall be required if any of the circumstances stipulated
under subsection 64(2) of the Act arise. No other specific conditions are
prescribed.
16. REFERENCES
1. National Occupational Health and Safety Commission,
[NOHSC:10005(1994)],1994. List of designated hazardous substances,
AGPS, Canberra.
2. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Toxline (1994- September 1995).
3. Standards Australia, 1978. Australian Standard 2161-1978, Industrial
Safety Gloves and Mittens (excluding Electrical and Medical Gloves),
Standards Association of Australia Publ., Sydney, Australia.
4. Standards Australia, 1994. Australian Standard 1336-1994, Recommended
Practices for Eye Protection in the Industrial Environment, Standards
Association of Australia Publ., Sydney, Australia
5. Standards Australia, Standards New Zealand 1992. Australian/ New
Zealand Standard 1337-1992, Eye Protectors for Industrial Applications,
Standards Association of Australia Publ., Sydney, Australia, Standards
Association of New Zealand Publ. Wellington, New Zealand.
6. Standards Australia, 1990 Australian Standard 3765 - 1990. Clothing for
Protection Against Chemical Hazards, Part 1, Protection against General or
Specific Chemicals; Part 2, Limited Protection Against Specific Chemicals,
Standards Australia Publ., Sydney, Australia.
7. Standards Australia, Standards New Zealand 1994. Australian/ New
Zealand Standard 2210 - 1994 Occupational Protective Footwear, Part 1:
Guide to Selection, Care and Use. Part 2: Specifications, Standards
Association of Australia Publ., Sydney, Australia, Standards Association of
New Zealand Publ. Wellington, New Zealand.
FULL PUBLIC REPORT 10
8. Standards Australia, Standards New Zealand, 1994. Australian/New
Zealand Standard 1715 - 1994 Selection, Use and Maintenance of
Respiratory Protective Devices, Standards Association of Australia Publ.,
Sydney, Australia, Standards Association of New Zealand Publ., Wellington,
New Zealand.
9. Standards Australia, Standards New Zealand, 1991. Australian/ New
Zealand Standard 1716 - 1991 Respiratory Protective Devices, Standards
Association of Australia Publ., Sydney, Australia, Standards Association of
New Zealand Publ., Wellington, New Zealand.
10. National Occupational Health and Safety Commission, 1994. National
Code of Practice for the Preparation of Material Safety Data Sheets,
[NOHSC:2011(1994)], AGPS, Canberra.
FULL PUBLIC REPORT 11
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