Ian,
MEKO stands for Methyl Ethyl Ketoxime (apparently a derivative of MEK - Methyl Ethyl Ketone) and is the anti-skinning agent used in the paint.
The EU have changed its classification and banned it from sale to consumers as of 01 Mar 2022.
The HSE in UK don't currently classify MEKO as carcinogenic, hence its use in the UK is not banned per se.
The fly in the ointment in the UK is reflected in the following (reproduced from the Dacrylate website - a member of the British Coatings Federation):
"Methyl ethyl ketoxime (MEKO) or butanone oxime, is a substance used to prevent the skinning of some solvent-borne paints in the container or prior to use. Once the paint is applied to a surface, the MEKO evaporates, thereby allowing the drying process to proceed. Historically, it has been used by the industry for many years as it is a very effective anti-skinning agent.
We are an active member of the British Coatings Federation (BCF), and along with all BCF members, we take our responsibility for health and safety very seriously. Whilst every effort is made to formulate paints without hazardous ingredients, sometimes new knowledge comes to light about ingredients used in current products.
In 2020 the classification of a category 1B carcinogen for MEKO was adopted in the EU via the 15th Adaptation to Technical Progress to CLP(1), and subsequently adopted in Great Britain following the end
of the transition period. Due to the new classification MEKO will be restricted from use in products intended to be placed on the market or used for supply to the general public(2) as of the 1st March 2022.
Whilst the legal position in regards to UK REACH is still evolving, due to the severity of the classification (category 1 carcinogen), we and our fellow BCF members feel it is appropriate to take the position that MEKO containing products should be withdrawn from sale by retailers and merchants. Therefore, the BCF recommends that within the supply chain ‘First In First Out’ (FIFO) is strictly controlled through the sale of these products and that sale of products containing MEKO >0.1% should stop as of the 1st March 2022, both to the general public and to painters and decorators.
Since before the classification was adopted we, along with our counterparts, have been very concerned with the new information available regarding the classification of MEKO and have been committed to substituting the substance at the earliest opportunity to ensure sell through of the product in the marketplace before the 1st March 2022. Not only have we taken the stance to eliminate the substance from those supplied to the general public and to painters and decorators, but we are eliminating the substance from all our product ranges. We would therefore expect the majority of MEKO containing paints to have already been sold through the supply chain before this date."
I am also led to believe that there aren't any meaningful buy-back options for stockists holding the paint.
Since it is not illegal to sell the stock of paint, I do not blame them for doing so - I would.
The removal of these products is a bit galling when the test criteria are examined: tested on lab mice and rate for 8 hours/day - 6 days/week - 18-to-24 months duration. There is no way any of we hobbyists will have that sort of exposure to the paints. The only people that do will be in the manufacturing sites and they have their own H&S regulations (respirators, filters and so on)
As consumers, however, we are facing a cessation in supply of any products containing MEKO.
I am not a paint expert but, allegedly, there is a known alternative to MEKO. I guess we just have to wait for the paint boffins to finish their certification testing and release the product to market.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
John
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