M10 PM Chemical Hazard Identification, Classification and Communication
Monday, 14 November 2005: 1:50 PM - 5:30 PM in 341-342

(ADA-1117-752539) Classification of Inorganic Metal Substances.

Adams, w.¹, Rodriguez, P.², Delbeke, K.³, ¹ Rio Tinto, Murray, UT, USA² CIMM, Santiago, Chile, Chile³ ECI, Brussels, Belgiun, Belgium

ABSTRACT- The OECD process for global harmonization of substances for classification and labeling, has lead to the development of procedures for classifying metals and sparingly soluble metal compounds. This process has recognized the limitations associated with use of bioaccumulation factors for metals and the need to assess the fate properties of metals independent from classical approaches such as the use of biodegradation testing This includes consideration of the properties of metals as well as recognition that sparingly soluble metal substances require transformation testing to determine the potential for transformation to a soluble toxic metal form. To date, more than 30 metal substances have been classified for the aquatic environment by the EU. This information will be reviewed for a broad array of metal substances and a case example of how classification can be applied to highly insoluble metal massives will be demonstrated using copper as an example. The approach utilizes a novel method whereby copper wires with different diameters and known surface areas were tested in using the OECD transformation/dissolution method to determine the extent of solubilization and potential for copper toxicity. Production of copper transformation products is shown to be linked to surface area of the substance tested.

Key words: metals, classification, transformation, pbt