Strategy For Limiting Risks Human Health Draft of ... - ECHA - Europa

Scenario 4: Use of abrasives and grinding discs (containing cryolite)
Dermal exposure was assessed with the EASE-model, starting with the calculation of total
grindung dust (unprotected worker, wide dispersive use, direct handling, extensive, exposed
area of 840 cm 2 (hands)). The model results in a level of exposure to total dust of 5 – 15
mg/cm 2 /day, leading to 4200 – 12600 mg/person/day (60- 180 mg/kg/day). Taking into
account that the content of cryolite in abrasive dust is only 2% and taking forward the higher
end of the exposure–range, workers are assumed to be exposed to 252 mg/person/day of
cryolite (3,6 mg/kg/day).
The assessment was made for the unprotected worker and the use of gloves would be an
effective and practical measure to reduce – according to assessment conventions – exposure to
0,36 mg/kg/day, which is clearly below the lowest critical exposure level of 1,3 mg/kg/day.
Cryolite is only 2% of the total dust. When using gloves workers would still be exposed to
420 – 1260 mg/person /day of total dust. Depending on the nature of the grinding dust this
might be too high, but improving occupational hygiene of grinding and abrasive processes is
beyond the scope of this risk assessment.
5.2 Consumers
For the dust scenario in the intensive use of cryolite in the pottery by consumers the
information on possible eye irritation effects is useful. Therefore the C&L finalisation process
under the REACH regulation is important.
Information is needed for the possibility of systemic adverse repeated dose effects in the dust
scenario. That information can only be provided at the national level, since marketing and use
restriction is not possible in the ESR program anymore. Since cryolite is not mutagenic,
carcinogenic and reprotoxic there seems to be no available driver for a negative CMR
substance to protect consumers under the REACH regulation in an effective way if other
adverse effects are covered.
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