Media Release - NEW ASSESSMENT OF CHEMICAL CONFIRMS NEED FOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

 

06 Feb 2000

A second assessment of a chemical used in powder coatings in the metal finishing industry has confirmed the need to keep occupational exposure levels as low as possible.

Triglycidylisocyanurate, or TGIC, was first assessed by the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) in April 1994. That report concluded that TGIC was a hazardous substance capable of producing skin sensitivity in humans as well as potential mutagenic effects.

Recent human case reports showing that TGIC is a respiratory sensitiser lead to a second NICNAS assessment report, released today.

The latest assessment also evaluated new animal studies for oral toxicity and reproductive toxicity, as well as the potential to cause cancer and skin sensitisation. The animal data confirm that TGIC causes skin sensitisation and is toxic following repeated exposure.

As TGIC is a sensitiser (skin and respiratory) and toxic, it is recommended that employers conduct an assessment of the risks to the health of employees from exposure to TGIC.

NICNAS recommends that employers provide a health surveillance program in circumstances where there is a likelihood of workers becoming exposed to TGIC in the workplace.

The report finds that TGIC is unlikely to present a risk to the public or the environment.

A full copy of the NICNAS Priority Existing Chemical assessment report on TGIC can be found on our website
 

About NICNAS

The National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) operates under the Commonwealth Industrial Chemicals (Notification and Assessment) Act 1989.

NICNAS is a statutory scheme within the portfolio of the Minister for Health and Ageing. Its approach to the scientific assessment of chemicals covers toxicity, exposure and use to assess the environmental, public health and occupational health and safety risk. For more information see the web site www.nicnas.gov.au
 

Further information

Nick Miller, NICNAS, (02) 8577 8810 or 0407 228 285