Jacob

I would treat this substance with great precaution. Firstly, it has a
cyclic epoxy group and is therefore probably somewhat reactive: it
probably has sufficient vapour pressure that respiration may be a
problem: it is an irritant to mucous membranes: in Europe it is classed
as a suspected carcinogen or mutagen and, if it is in an ink, it is
spread over great areas which will facilitate uncontrolled evaporation
in the workplace. Personally, I would leave well alone but, if in doubt,
call a qualified toxicologist and ask him to make a tox/epidemiological
literature search.

It is a sad reflection that chemicals that have not been fully
tox-researched can be used without restriction in industry, whereas more
benign molecules are often restricted. In the USA, OSHA will not seek a
full tox evaluation until there is a threat of large usage. A substance
is harmless until proved harmful, the complete antithesis to
pharmaceutical testing where a substance cannot be marketed until all
harmful side-effects are known. I know a cleaning solvent which is a
proven neurotoxic and reprotoxic on animals that is sold by the
thousands of tonnes per year into industry without restriction, without
an OSHA PEL/AEL and without any need for reporting!!!

Brian

JACOB MOZEL wrote:

>
>
> Hi,
>
> We would like to use an ink containing gamma-Butyro Lactone.
>
> I wonder if anyone has an idea if there is any problem as the
> occupational safety is concerned.
>
> Does anyone have experience of using any formulation containing this
> solvent.
>
> I have tried to make a decision based on the MSDS only, but we could
> reach an unanimous vote.
>
> Thanks
>
> Jacob Mozel

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