European Chemical Agency Launches Consultation on Eight Potential SVHCs

ECHA launches public consultation on eight possible SVHCs. The deadline for comments is April 23, 2018. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) March 30, 2018 - The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) has launched its first public consultation of 2018 on Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs). Running from March 8, 2018 until April 23, 2018, the consultation covers eight SVHCs with comments being requested on use, exposure, alternatives and risk.

The eight substances are:
• Benzo[ghi]perylene
• Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4)
• Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5)
• Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6)
• Terphenyl hydrogenated
• Ethylenediamine
• Lead
• Disodium octaborate

Three potential SVHCs are cyclic polydimethylsiloxanes – D4, D5 and D6. They are considered to have persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) and very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) properties. They have several uses, including in silicone polymer production, polishes and waxes, cleaning products, and cosmetic and personal care products. The European Union (EU) has already introduced measure to restrict the use of D4 and D5 in wash-off cosmetic products to a limit of 0.1% by weight from February 1, 2020.

Benzo[ghi]perylene, from the family of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), is also considered for inclusion due to its classification as having PBT and vPvB properties. It occurs unintentionally, along with other PAHs, as a constituent of coal and petroleum stream substances of unknown or variable composition, complex reaction products or biological materials (UVCBs).

Terphenyl hydrogenated is another vPvB substance. This UVCB is used in coatings, adhesives, sealants, heat transfer fluid and as an additive in plastic applications.

Ethylenediamine is a respiratory sensitizer and is used in epoxy, PU, adhesives, coatings and other polymers, as well as processing aid agents, scavenging agents in refinery streams and corrosion inhibitors.

The final two substances – lead and disodium octaborate – are both classified as toxic to reproduction. Lead has many uses including lead-acid batteries, lead sheets for the construction industry, shot and bullets, soldering alloys, cable sheathing and in the production of oxides, pigments, stabilizers and other lead compounds. It is already strictly regulated in jewelry and accessible parts of articles under REACH Annex XVII. There are currently two restriction proposals: regulating lead in shot for shooting in wetlands; and as a stabilizer in PVC articles.

Disodium octaborate is widely used in the manufacturing industry, the building and construction sector, in refractory mixtures, in micronutrient fertilizers, and for indoor and outdoor facilities.

Stakeholders have until April 23, 2018 to comment upon the proposals. If they are accepted, the number of SVHCs will expand to 189.

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For further information contact:

Emily Lam
Corporate Research & Development
Tel: +852 2204 8339 ext.1339
Email: crs.media ( @ ) sgs dot com
Website: www.sgs.com/cgnr

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