Public consultation on SEAC's draft opinion on a restriction proposal for 1,4-dichlorobenzene in air fresheners and toilet blocks

Public consultation on SEAC's draft opinion on a restriction proposal for 1,4-dichlorobenzene in air fresheners and toilet blocks

ECHA/PR/13/13

Helsinki, 19 March 2013 – ECHA is launching a public consultation on SEAC's draft opinion on a restriction proposal for 1,4-dichlorobenzene in air fresheners and toilet blocks. The deadline for comments is 17 May 2013. Comments will be reviewed and considered by SEAC in its final opinion, which is scheduled for adoption by 19 June 2013.

The development of the Committees opinions started in June 2012 with a public consultation of the restriction proposal, submitted by ECHA at the request of the European Commission. The restriction proposal was then discussed in ECHA's Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC), taking into account the comments received during the public consultation and the advice from the Forum for Exchange of Information on Enforcement.

RAC adopted its opinion concluding that there is currently an identified risk when air fresheners or toilet blocks containing 1,4-dichlorobenzene are used either in domestic indoor areas or by professionals, such as toilet cleaners and toilet attendants, in public toilets, offices or other indoor public areas.

Given RAC's opinion, SEAC supported a restriction that covers both domestic and professional uses. SEAC concurred with ECHA that the proposed restriction would result in savings due to the existence of cheaper alternatives for domestic users. In addition, SEAC considered that a restriction on professional use is proportionate, although it may lead to some additional costs. .

ECHA will submit the opinions of RAC and SEAC to the European Commission who will take the final decision on the restriction.