Prysmian has launched Joint Encapsulation Material (JEM) resin cable joint kits following the market’s reclassification of resin containing MDI as Carcinogen Category 3.

A Prysmian JEM resin cable jointing kit

The new label will apply to all products containing MDI from 1 December this year, marking them out as hazardous following changes made by the European Commission on the classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals.

Prysmian developed JEM technology more than ten years ago, following customer requests. Free from MDI, the resin has been designed to cause "no irritation or sensitising," Prysmian said.

Jonathan Rawlinson, technical manager at the cable manufacturer, said: “The first time many people become aware of the change in legislation and labelling could be when they come to joint cables together onsite.

"This would be an unwelcome surprise, especially if they do not understand the reasons why this change has happened or the risks to their health."