Using epoxy resin products safely

In April 2024, it was announced that three commonly used reactive diluents in epoxy resin products must now be classified as reproductive toxic, Category 1B, on the basis of new toxicological studies. This means products that contains these substances must also bear the H360F “May damage fertility” hazard label, as well as the GHS08 “Health hazard” symbol and the “Danger” signal word.

The more stringent requirements apply to almost all epoxy resin products in the EU, regardless of brand and competition. Specifically, they apply to all epoxy resin products that contain at least 0.3% of these reactive thinners. These include products from the Uzin, codex and Arturo brands.

There is no fixed date for transition to the new requirements in this case. The affected products got a new labelling and were distributed with it from around mid-October 2024. For Germany only: the GISCODE of the products is also changing from RE30 to RE90.

Epoxy resin products with the H360F label must not bear the EMICODE EC 1 Plus label from May 2025. This also affects building certification systems such as DGNB, BNB or QNG. This is because these products no longer comply with the highest quality level, as an EC1 Plus label is a condition for such certification systems. Products with an alternative emissions certificate similar to EMICODE EC1 Plus, such as the UZIN PE 480, can still be recommended for DGNB construction projects. This has been confirmed by DGNB. The DGNB criteria therefore allow for products with this type of certification to continue to achieve the highest DGNB quality level 4.

The key thing to know about the requirements is that the hazard labelling and restrictions on use for these products apply only to the liquid, non-cured products, i.e. they only apply when they are being installed. As soon as the products have cured, the problematic ingredients are completely reacted via a chemical reaction and the resulting epoxy resin layer is safe for the environment and the body. This means that the products can still be used without concern in the living area – just as before.

There is virtually no risk from inhalation because of the low vapour pressure of the reactive diluents. Safety measures to prevent skin contact are, however, still necessary because of the risk of sensitisation, as described in the safety data sheets (section 8). It is always important to wear protective clothing and safety goggles when applying epoxy resin products, as before. Additional measures such as respiratory protection are not necessary when installing epoxy resin products from the Uzin Utz range, even with the additional H360 label. 

Read and follow the instructions on the label, the product data sheet and the safety data sheet. They list the hazards, the recommended protective measures and describe how to install the products correctly. Preparing effectively and wearing protective clothing and safety goggles are important things to consider for your protection when using epoxy resin products, regardless of the hazard labelling on the products. Wearing respiratory protection is not required when processing epoxy resin products from the Uzin Utz range, even with the additional H360 label.

There are no new or additional requirements for transporting these products. 2-component epoxy resin products are normally Class 8 and 9 dangerous goods and are therefore subject to the corresponding regulations for transport.

The change to the hazard labelling doesn´t change any of the EU rules. However, there are additional requirements e.g. for Germany in this regard.

No! As soon as the products have cured, the problematic ingredients are completely reacted via a chemical reaction and the resulting epoxy resin layer is safe for the environment and the body. This means that the products can still be installed without concern in the living area – just as before (see also question 6).

No! There is no training required for users for these products, unlike for isocyanates. 

Specific alternatives to epoxy resin products have to be recommended for each case. In many cases, polyurethane products such as UZIN PE 414 BiTurbo, which have somewhat less problematic labelling, can be used instead of epoxy resin products. If only products with no label or without label have to be used, then alternatives to consider included e.g. the UZIN HydroBlock system, the UZIN PE 400 dispersion primer, the UZIN Plurafilm Hydro and the UZIN MT system. Our application engineers are happy to advise you about suitable alternatives.
Alternatives are also already being developed, i.e. epoxy resin products without the reproduction-toxic label. As soon as products are ready and available, we will let you know via the usual channels.