The European Commission has restricted the use of chemical substances N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAC) and 1-ethylpyrrolidin-2-one (NEP) to protect workers from exposure.
DMAC and NEP are solvents used in many industrial processes, including the production of chemicals, coatings, cleaning agents and fibres. DMAC is commonly used in making synthetic fibres and varnishes for electrical wires, while NEP is found in products like cleaning solutions, agrochemicals and construction materials. Both substances are also used in laboratories.
The new measures, adopted under the EU’s Regulation on the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals (REACH), sets strict exposure limits for both inhalation and skin contact. The limits are designed to protect workers who handle these substances regularly.
To support its implementation, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) will update existing guidelines including these substances. This will help companies better understand and comply with the new requirements.
The restriction will apply in 18 months’ time to allow users to adapt to the new requirements. For the use of DMAC in the man-made fibres sectors, a longer transition period of 4 years is foreseen.
