N-Labelling of Preparations
The publication in January 2006 of the 2nd Amendment of the Dangerous Preparations
Directive 1999/45/EC establishes more stringent labelling requirements for preparations
containing substances that are toxic for the environment.
By March 1st, 2007, many paints containing algicides will carry the environmental
N-symbol depending on the concentration of the active substances.
In all European countries, the environmental N-symbol may be triggered by the addition
of algicides plus fungicides, bactericides or other paint components (e.g. Zinc
oxide), depending on concentrations used.
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The N-symbol is accompanied by any of the Risk Phrases below:
- R50: Very toxic to aquatic organisms
- R50/53: Very toxic to aquatic organisms. May cause long term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.
- R51/53: Toxic to aquatic organisms. May cause long term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.
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The phrase R52/53 "Harmful to aquatic organisms, May cause long term adverse
effect in the environment" does not require symbol N ("Warning phrase").
The phrases R51 (Toxic to aquatic organisms) and R52 (Harmful to aquatic organisms)
are usually not allocated alone to a given product but in combination with the phrase
R53 (May cause long term adverse effect in the environment), as described above.
Substances used in Coatings that will trigger the label
Every environmentally hazardous substance present contributes and can trigger the
label.
In practice, will be under this labelling constraint:
- Commonly used Algicides, such as Cybutryne (Irgarol), Terbutryne and Diuron
- The additive effect of algicides plus:
- Fungicides
- Bactericides
- Other paint components that are environmentally hazardous (e.g. Zinc oxide, N, R50/53)
