Download Preservatives in Paint

isothiazolinone (MI / MCI) effects
in healthcare environments
and links to contact dermatitis
Susan Grant
Principal Architect
INV405 OCC485 – isothiazolinones in paints
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Background
•Query to IRIC regarding use of 2
methylizotihazolinone (MI) in paints.
•Dermatology out-patient department at
Hospital was redecorated.
•Using common brand pure brilliant white paint.
•Query on suitability / risk assessment of paint
containing isotihazolinone, known to cause
allergic reactions following contact, or
airbourne, exposure ≤40 days after application.
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What are isothiazolinone
•Widely used powerful synthetic biocide, antimicrobial preservatives used to prevent
bacterial overgrowth in aqueous solutions of
cosmetic, household, & industrial products.
•Stops mould growing on products.
•Low cost, highly effective mould deterrent,
even in low concentrations.
• Methylisothiazolinone (MI) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI), are most common. Often
combined, but post 2005 MI used independently
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MI / MCI applications
•Extensive range of personal products, e.g.
soap, cosmetics, lotions, moisturizers, sanitary
wipes, shampoos, and sunscreens. Between
2000 -2010 use in personal care was doubled.
•from 1970s household and industrial uses e.g.
detergents, paint, glue, paper, fuel, water plant.
•MI /MCI side effects include: skin/ membrane
irritant, hypersensitivity via direct & airbourne
contact; environmental toxicity, e.g. marine life
•MI legally, “causing an epidemic of skin allergy”
British Journal of Dermatology
(BAD) Jun 2015
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MI / MCI safety regulation
•Following contact dermatitis (CD) outbreaks
1980’s EC regulated combined MI/ MCI to ≤15
ppm concentrations for use in cosmetics.
•2005 EC Cosmetic Regulation MI ≤ 100 ppm.
•2013 EC SCCS recommend MI leave-on ban;
and ≤15 ppm for rinse-off cosmetic products
•2016 EC public consultation, deadline: 1 July
•Regarding non-cosmetic products, currently
no limits are set on MI concentrations, not
even the obligation to specify its presence.
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MI / MCI challenges
•Often difficult to pinpoint environmental source
•Identifying MI/ MCI, as not listed on household/
industrial labels e.g. paints, glues, detergents.
•What are safe levels in non-cosmetic uses?
•How are high risk groups /spaces identified?
•If banned, will preservative simply be replaced
by another, different, more harmful biocides?
•Following public concern, some companies are
voluntarily moving away from MI/ MCI use.
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Moving forward – isothiazolinone in paint etc
•EU cosmetic proposals will limit sensitisation
•Has no legal requirement for MI/ MCI labelling
 EU lobbied to classify MI as an allergen in CLP
Regulation (Classification, Labelling & Packaging)
•Has no legal MI/ MCI concentration limits
•HSE contacted for their position...
•Assessment of risk via a short life group
•Raise NHSS awareness e.g. Estate Alert
•COSHH/ CDM regs (Construction Design Management)
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