Man-made vitreous (silicate) fibres with random orientation with alkaline and alkali earth oxides (Na2O+K2O+CaO+ MgO+BaO) content greater than 18% by weight and fulfilling one of the CLP Regulation Annex VI Note Q conditions

Endpoint summary

Additional information

MMVF note Q fibres are inorganic (of mineral origin) solid fibres with ca. 99.9% purity, they are odourless and their colour varies between white to grey-green. This assessment was made based on the data received from the manufacturer's own data including MSDS.

Company data and a guideline test suggest that the melting point of MMVF note Q fibres varies within the range of ca. 680 °C to 1300 °C depending on the fibre type.

Company data and a peer-reviewed publication show that the density of MMVF note Q fibres varies between ca. 2.4 to 2.9 g/cm³ depending on the fibre type.

Similarly the geometry of MMVF note Q fibres varies depending on the fibre type. In addition, it also depends whether the fibres are prepared for commercial use or for the experimental studies (e.g. rat respirable). For some commercial fibres the average fibre length (mm) range is 1.05 -1.52; max fibre length (mm) is 6.9 -17.2 and the fibre thickness varies within the range of 0.7 - 20.5 µm.

The reported water solubility varies between 0.6 and 123 mg [Na]+[Si] (between 0.3 and 19 mg [Si]/L; between 0.5 and 104 mg [Na]/L). MMVF note Q fibres are sligtly soluble in water through non-reversible leaching of inorganic chemical species.

The end-points on boiling point, vapour pressure, and auto flammability of MMVF note Q fibres are waived based on an adaptation according to column 2 of Annex VII, as MMVF note Q fibres are inorganic solids with melting points above 680 °C. Similarly, the end-points on partition coefficient, flash point and stability in organic solvents and identity of relevant degradation products are also waived based on an adaptation according to column 2 of Annex VII, as MMVF note Q fibres are inorganic. On the other hand, for the end-point study on surface tension waiving is based on an adaptation according to column 2 of Annex VII, as surface activity is not expected or predicted based on the structure and surface activity is not a desired property of the material.

In the case of flammability the justification for the study waiving is that MMVF note Q fibres are of inorganic origin and manufactured at temperatures of approx. 1500 °C (molten glass). The ignition at room temperature with a flame as required by EU test method A10 - Flammability (solids) - is therefore not possible, and thus the study of this end-point is evaluated to be technically not feasible.

The end-point on explosiveness is waived, as the study scientifically unjustified. The justification is that MMVF note Q fibres are of inorganic origin and manufactured at temperatures of approx. 1500 °C (molten glass). Absence of certain reactive groups in the structural formula establishes beyond reasonable doubt that the substance is incapable of rapid decomposition with evolution of gases or release of heat (EU test method A14 - Explosive properties). Furthermore a bibliographic source entitled Bretherick's Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards (7th edition), Vol 1&2, Elsevier, 2007, was also consulted. In accordance with this authoritative handbook and the other information, it is evaluated that MMVF note Q fibres do not hold explosive potential.

The end-point on oxidising properties is also waived as the study scientifically unjustified. MMVF note Q fibres are of inorganic origin and manufactured at temperatures of approx. 1500 °C (molten glass). The examination of the structural formula establishes beyond reasonable doubt that the substance is incapable of reacting exothermically with a combustible material. EU test method A17 - Oxidising properties (solids) is therefore not applicable. Furthermore, a bibliographic source entitled Bretherick's Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards (7th edition), Vol 1&2, Elsevier, 2007, was also consulted. In accordance with this authoritative handbook and the other information it is evaluated that MMVF note Q fibres do not hold oxidative potential.

The end-point on dissociation constant is waived, as the study scientifically unjustified. Dissociation is defined as being the reversible splitting into two or more ionic chemical species (OECD guideline 112). MMVF note Q fibres are inorganic mineral fibres which are slightly water soluble through the non-reversible leaching of inorganic chemcical species into water. The dissolved species cannot reorganise into fibres again.

The end-point on viscosity is waived as the study technically not feasible. The justification for the waiving is that MMVF note Q fibres are inorganic solids and the relevant test methods are not applicable to the test substance.