INFORMATION SHEET

Medium Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (MCCP’s)

MCCPs are currently the subject of discussion regarding possible changes in the way they are classified and used.

Here is a summary of the view of the metalworking fluids industry, through the United Kingdom Lubricants Association
- Metalworking Fluids Product Stewardship Group (UKLA MW PSG).

What are MCCP’s?

MCCP’s are a class of chemical used as cost effective extreme pressure (EP) additives in neat cutting oils as well as in some water miscible
metalworking fluids. They aid the machining process and help reduce tool wear. MCCP’s are mainly used in medium to heavy duty applications.

Proposals

The European Commission is currently considering the possible classification and labelling of MCCP’s.
If implemented they would be labelled as R50 / R53; Very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.

No other classification is currently being proposed.

Voluntary Labelling

Certain MCCP manufacturers have voluntarily agreed to classify their product in this way ahead of EU classification.
Some metalworking fluid manufacturers may also choose to classify their formulated products containing MCCP’s before any EU legislation is introduced.

The classification and labelling appearing on metalworking fluids will depend upon the concentration of MCCP’s in the formulation.

This voluntary classification position may result in similar metalworking fluid products from different suppliers being classified and labelled differently for a
period of time. Members of the BLF MW PSG have agreed to classify products containing MCCP’s based on available data.
It is likely that if your supplier is a member of this organisation they may well classify products ahead of other Companies outside of this group.

The UKLA MW PSG believes this to be the correct decision and not to label may contravene existing legislation.

Uses / alternatives of MCCP

MCCP’s have traditionally been widely used in many industrial and consumer applications other than metalworking fluids.

Uses include: -

Plastics industry as plasticisers and flame retardants e.g. flooring and cable; Leather industry as ingredients of liquors for leather treatment;
Rubber and foam production as flame retardants and plasticisers; Paint/Coatings industry as viscosity modifiers, adhesion improvers and plasticisers;

For certain applications metalworking fluids containing MCCP’s remain the best technical option. The majority of metalworking applications,
however, can be performed with MCCP free products. Your supplier can offer advice in respect of such fluids.

Conclusion of the UK Lubricants Association Metalworking Fluid Product Stewardship Group
-- Based on all available facts and data --

The UKLA Metalworking Fluids Product Stewardship Group (UKLA MWF PSG) agreed that products containing MCCP’s will be classified
appropriately by its UK-based members, independent of the source of MCCP’s.

Co-operation will be sought by the UKLA Board to elicit the co-operation of UKLA members outside of the MW PSG and UK members will
undertake to elicit co-operation of their European subsidiaries/affiliates.

The above information is an industry view that is believed to be correct at the date of issue (March 2005). It gives a brief summary
of extensive studies and discussions. More information on this and other health, safety and environmental issues are available from
your UKLA MWFPSG member company supplier.

The above information is an industry view that is believed to be correct at the date of issue (March 2005). It gives a brief summary of extensive studies and discussions. More information on this and other health, safety and environmental issues are available from your UKLA MWFPSG member company supplier.

The Metalworking Fluids Product Stewardship Group exists to promote the industry’s commitment to the development, manufacture and marketing of safe and effective metalworking fluid products. It will assist in the education of users, enhance the health and safety provision to both the members and their customers’ employees, protect the environment and provide qualified, reviewed information to industry, trade unions, Government and the general public.

Member companies have each subscribed to the principles of product stewardship in respect of their metalworking fluids businesses and have signed a commitment to a common code of ethics.