Boron Timber Treatments Re-classified as Hazardous
April 6th, 2011
New Regulations from the European Parliament and Council have amended the classification of well known Boron based timber treatment products to hazardous.
Boron is a naturally occurring mineral which borate compounds are formed and used extensively in timber treatments as highly effective insecticides and fungicides to be used in pre-treatment preservatives and remedial repair treatments. Borates have also been used as effective biocides on masonry against algae and lichens.
Borates have been used extensively for many years and until now had previously been considered safe with no hazards implied.
The reclassification places borates classified as R60 – May impair Fertility and R61 – May cause harm to the unborn child. From December 2010 the new classification requirements came into force which means new labelling on borate based products to display the R60/61 Risk phrases and the toxic symbol.
The objective of the new Regulations is to determine which properties of substances should lead to a classification as hazardous, in order for the hazards to be properly identified and communicated as hazards to human health, the environment and the ozone layer.
From December 2010 products also containing boron can only be used by professionals and is no longer to be sold for amateur use. This Regulation should ensure a high level of protection of human health and the environment. Its re-classification however, has been appealed against by manufactures of borates who have launched a legal challenge against the re-classification, though until the results of this legal challenge are known, the changes will remain in force.
From 9th February 2011 boron’s approval for use as a masonry biocide has been also been withdrawn following the non-inclusion decision in accordance with articles 4(2) and 12(5) of the regulations EC NO 1451/2007. In the future masonry biocides using boron as their active ingredient are no longer approved by the HSE under the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1997 (COPR).
The regulations and classifications of treatments can change overnight at the digression of European law. The application of any chemical treatments should only be undertaken by professionals who understand the products available and the best scenarios for their use, and can apply treatment in the safest and most effective manner whilst meting health and safety obligations.
When in need of timber repairs why not choose a professional company, who favours a holistic approach to repair only using treatments where essential.
Choose a member of the leading industry body the Property Care Association, Choose Dryfix Preservation “Yorkshires Leading Damp & Timbers Specialists”.
