be further treated at the municipal sewage treatment works before discharge to the aquatic the treatment works most of the polymer should be contained in the sludge, which will be incinerated or sent to landfill. Therefore the potential for release to the aquatic compartment is minimal and the associated environmental hazard negligible. The low level environmental exposure of the polymer as a result of normal use, together with its expected lack of biological activity, indicate that the overall environmental hazard should be negligible. ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY EFFECTS The notified polymer will be available in Australia as an emulsion only. The polymer has a NAMW > 1000 and is therefore unlikely to cross biological membranes and cause significant systemic effects. It contains <1% (w/w) low molecular weight (<1000) species and no residual monomers. The emulsion is stable at room temperature, not flammable, but may react with strong oxidisers. Under normal use conditions, workers involved in reformulating the polymer, or applying paints containing the polymer, will be required to use appropriate engineering controls and personal protective equipment to minimise exposure to solvents or other hazardous components in the formulations. These measures will ensure minimal exposure to the polymer during these operations. Under normal use conditions, any occupational risks associated with the polymer should be minimal. Public exposure to the notified polymer is expected to be negligible since its application will be restricted to industry. Public exposure to the notified polymer will be limited to contact with finished metal components where it is under an overcoat layer. If public contact with the polymer does occur during accidental spillages, health hazards arising from acute exposure is anticipated to be low.
be further treated at the municipal sewage treatment works before discharge to the aquatic the treatment works most of the polymer should be contained in the sludge, which will be incinerated or sent to landfill. Therefore the potential for release to the aquatic compartment is minimal and the associated environmental hazard negligible. The low level environmental exposure of the polymer as a result of normal use, together with its expected lack of biological activity, indicate that the overall environmental hazard should be negligible. ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY EFFECTS The notified polymer will be available in Australia as an emulsion only. The polymer has a NAMW > 1000 and is therefore unlikely to cross biological membranes and cause significant systemic effects. It contains <1% (w/w) low molecular weight (<1000) species and no residual monomers. The emulsion is stable at room temperature, not flammable, but may react with strong oxidisers. Under normal use conditions, workers involved in reformulating the polymer, or applying paints containing the polymer, will be required to use appropriate engineering controls and personal protective equipment to minimise exposure to solvents or other hazardous components in the formulations. These measures will ensure minimal exposure to the polymer during these operations. Under normal use conditions, any occupational risks associated with the polymer should be minimal. Public exposure to the notified polymer is expected to be negligible since its application will be restricted to industry. Public exposure to the notified polymer will be limited to contact with finished metal components where it is under an overcoat layer. If public contact with the polymer does occur during accidental spillages, health hazards arising from acute exposure is anticipated to be low.