8 Overall product assessment

Survey of chemical substances in cleaning products for ovens, cookers and ceramic cooktops

Based on the available data on the constituents in products for cleaning of ovens, cookers and ceramic cooktops, short characteristics of the individual product types are given below focussing on their contents of critical substances.

8.1 Oven cleaners

Spray oven cleaners may contain high concentrations of the solvent N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, which is irritant (Xi, R36/38) and which, as mentioned, should be classified as reproduction toxic (T; R61 May cause harm to the unborn child). Exposure estimations for N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone showed, however, that the risk of effects on health and reproduction is estimated to be minimal. It is, however, recommended to avoid exposure to N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone during pregnancy. Oven cleaners containing the solvent dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether are not considered to cause any risk to the consumer.

Based on the available information, liquid oven cleaners are not considered to contain substances that are harmful to consumer health or the environment.

8.2 Products for ceramic cooktops

A few of the purchased products for ceramic cooktops contained the solvent petroleum, which may be hazardous to both health and the environment. Exposure estimations showed that the health risk from application of the products is estimated to be limited. The discharge of petroleum distillates into the aquatic environment as a result of the application of the products is not considered to cause any risk of adverse effects.

8.3 Stainless steel care products

Three of four purchased stainless steel care products are assessed to contain a form of white spirit, which is hazardous to both health and the environment. The concentration of this substance in the products is unknown but, based on information found in safety data sheets for similar substances, it was estimated to be 10 - ³ 30 %. As two of the products are classified as health hazardous, the concentration of white spirit in these products probably exceeds 10 %, which is the lower concentration limit for classification for health hazards. Exposure calculations indicated that there may be a health risk in using products with a high content of white spirit if there is not adequate ventilation. Based on a simulation of the concentration of white spirit in waste water discharged into the Little Belt, this substance is estimated to potentially cause effects in a limited near zone around waste-water discharges in areas characterised by a limited water exchange. The products are thus considered to cause an inexpedient impact on consumer health and have a limited impact on the environment.

8.4 Products for cleaning of cooktops and microwave ovens

These products are not estimated to contain substances in concentrations harmful to consumer health or the environment.