A public consultation for ANSES's proposal to classify potassium permanganate as a reprotoxic substance
ANSES has submitted a proposal to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) for potassium permanganate to be classified as toxic for reproduction, Category 1B. Since 17 February 2016, this proposal has been the subject of a public consultation on the ECHA website to give all stakeholders an opportunity to present their positions, scientific arguments or any additional information they have at their disposal. Following this public consultation, which will run for 45 days, the final opinion adopted by ECHA's Committee for Risk Assessment will be sent to the European Commission to help it decide whether or not to include the classification proposed by ANSES in Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of 16 December 2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures, known as the CLP Regulation.
Potassium permanganate is a highly oxidising agent. It is used mainly for its deodorising and disinfectant properties in many sectors, including water treatment, and in industry as a synthesis reagent.
Potassium permanganate is currently being assigned a harmonised European classification, in the framework of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (known as the CLP Regulation) on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures:
- may intensify fire; oxidiser, Category 2;
- harmful if swallowed, Category 4*;
- very toxic to aquatic life; acute hazard, Category 1;
- very toxic to aquatic life; chronic hazard, Category 1.
The data currently available show that potassium permanganate induces a harmful effect on fertility and embryonic development in rodents. On the basis of the results in animals, potassium permanganate is presumed to be toxic for reproduction in humans. This evidence led ANSES, on 13 February 2015, to propose a classification as toxic for reproduction, in Category 2 for fertility and Category 1B for development, in application of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, known as the CLP Regulation.
This proposal was submitted for public consultation on the ECHA website on 17 February 2016, to give all stakeholders an opportunity to present their positions, scientific arguments or any additional information they have at their disposal. This public consultation will run for 45 days.
Comments can be sent via a dedicated formon the ECHA website.
Following this consultation stage, ANSES will be asked to respond to the comments received. The initial proposal, comments and their responses will be brought to the attention of ECHA's Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC), which will issue a final opinion to the European Commission.
On the basis of this opinion, the European Commission will decide whether or not to include the harmonised classification proposed by ANSES in Regulation No 1272/2008, known as the CLP Regulation.