NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search

GHS classifications for diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and mixtures containing these chemicals.

Niemeier R; Hubbs A; Kreiss K

AIHce 2015: American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exposition, May 30 - June 4, 2015, Salt Lake City, Utah. Falls Church, VA: American Industrial Hygiene Association, 2015 May; :86

https://aiha-assets.sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com/AIHA/aihce/AIHceFinalProgram2015_Final.pdf

20046282

Situation/Problem: In 2012, OSHA revised the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to align with the United Nations Globally Harmonized System for Classification and Labelling (GHS) of chemicals. This revised HCS standard provides criteria for hazard classification, new label elements (pictograms, signal words, hazard statements, and precautionary statements), and a standardized safety data sheet (SDS) format. The previously available GHS classifications for diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione do not reflect the hazard data available and presented in the soon to be finalized NIOSH criteria document, Occupational Exposure to Diacetyl and 2,3-Pentanedione. Resolution: Using the criteria outlined in the HCS, NIOSH has provided, for the first time for any substances, GHS classifications for diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione. These classifications were based on the human health and animal toxicology data, and exposure monitoring data provided in the criteria document. Importantly, NIOSH also provided guidance for the classification and labeling of mixtures containing diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione. Draft GHS classifications were published for peer and public review in early 2014. Results: Several GHS classifications were proposed for these chemicals, and NIOSH also demonstrated that exposures over the recommended exposure limits (RELs) for these chemicals could still occur if the cut-off values for mixtures in the GHS criteria were applied. NIOSH recommended that mixtures containing diacetyl or 2,3-pentanedione at any concentration that could generate vapors exceeding the NIOSH RELs should provide the necessary classifications on product labels and SDSs. Lessons Learned: GHS classifications that represent the current scientific understand of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione are important for the health protection of flavoring manufacturing workers. In addition, the incorporation of occupational exposure data should be considered when determining GHS classifications for hazardous chemicals that are present in mixtures. In the case of diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione, the sole reliance on prescribed cut-off values for hazardous chemicals in mixtures would not have provided hazard communication guidance that was health protective for workers.

Chemical-structure; Chemical-properties; Chemical-analysis; Chemical-composition; Communication-systems; Warning-systems; Information-processing; Information-systems; Hazardous-materials; Standards; Signaling-systems; Safety-education; Food-additives; Toxic-effects; Toxic-materials; Exposure-assessment; Exposure-limits

431-03-8; 600-14-6

20150530

Abstract

2015

EID; HELD; DRDS

Manufacturing

AIHce 2015: American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exposition, May 30 - June 4, 2015, Salt Lake City, Utah

OH; WV; UT