Pursuant to section 26 of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996, the Environmental Risk Management Authority hereby determines the following substances are not hazardous:
Polyorganosiloxanes with only methyl, vinyl, saturated alkyl or phenyl side groups attached to the silicon atoms of the –Si-O-Si– polymer backbone.
Further, the determination is limited to polyorganosiloxanes as defined above (not containing additives) with a number average molecular weight greater than 10,000 amu and with residual monomer, catalyst and solvent impurities present at levels less than 0.1%.
In addition, polymers that are cationic (or potentially cationic) or those that are water absorbing are specifically excluded from this determination.
Dated at Wellington this 19th day of February 2005.
TONY HAGGERTY, Chair, Hazardous Substances Standing Committee of the Authority.