Sulphuric acid “pre-consortia” invite members
The European Sulphuric Acid Association (ESA) is in the process of setting up three consortia covering sulphuric acid, sulphur dioxide (SO2) and sulphur trioxide (SO3). The association has already contacted its 40 members that manufacture the three products and has approached 15 non-members.
ESA’s André Orban says non-members have the option of buying studies or joining the group. He adds that most of the non-members are based in Eastern Europe, and notes there is some reticence in joining the association - partly because the companies concerned had not been members of an industry association previously and partly because of the cost.
ESA has three non-EU-based members, who will be involved in the consortia. Mr Orban estimates that there are 5-10 companies that import sulphuric acid into Europe who may join the consortia, although the association is not actively pursuing these companies to be members.
At present the groups are described as “pre-consortia” and will hold their first meetings in September. They will be bound by a letter of intent until their legal basis is established. They are expected to start their work by the year’s end. The consortia will have legal independence from ESA, but will use it for logistical support.
Overall it is expected that around 50 companies will represent sulphuric acid and between 15 and 30 companies will each represent SO2 and SO3. The cost of participating in the consortia will depend on the numbers joining. It is estimated that the cost of registering each product will be €100,000 if no additional safety studies are required.
All three products have been covered by the OECD High Production Volume (HPV) programme and basic data sets have been reported. As a result, says Mr Orban, although no analysis of data gaps for REACH compliance has yet been carried out, it is not thought likely that many additional hazard data will be required.
However, the task of assessing exposures relating to the use of the three products in order to conduct a full risk assessment will be one of the largest tasks facing the three consortia.
Applications will be grouped by family in an attempt to simplify the job - this work will start around the middle of next year.
Sulphuric acid is used directly or indirectly in nearly all industries. The chemical is essential to the production of fertilisers, fibres, paint, rubber, plastics, steel, detergent, and medicines among others.
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