ECHA Expands Candidate List with Bis(α,α-dimethylbenzyl) Peroxide

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has added bis(α,α-dimethylbenzyl) peroxide, a chemical known for its reproductive toxicity, to its Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHC). This update brings the total number of entries on the list to 241, each representing chemicals that pose significant risks to human health and the environment.

Key Insights

New Hazardous Substance Added

Bis(α,α-dimethylbenzyl) peroxide, commonly used as a flame retardant, has been identified by ECHA as toxic for reproduction. This designation means that companies using this chemical must adhere to strict regulations to manage its risks and ensure the safety of consumers and workers.

Chemical Details

Substance Name: Bis(α,α-dimethylbenzyl) peroxide
EC Number: 201-279-3
CAS Number: 80-43-3
Usage: Flame retardant

The decision to include this substance was confirmed by ECHA’s Member State Committee (MSC), which plays a crucial role in the evaluation and identification of SVHCs. The inclusion of bis(α,α-dimethylbenzyl) peroxide highlights ECHA’s commitment to monitoring and regulating hazardous chemicals in the EU market.

Potential Future Regulations

Bis(α,α-dimethylbenzyl) peroxide might eventually be added to the Authorisation List. Should this occur, companies would need to seek authorisation from the European Commission to continue its use, ensuring that the risks are properly managed and minimised.

Other Substances Under Review

In related news, the MSC was set to review triphenyl phosphate (TPhP) for possible inclusion as an SVHC. However, new information surfaced shortly before the June meeting, prompting ECHA to suspend the decision-making process. This pause allows for a comprehensive review of the new data to ensure an accurate assessment.

Implications for Companies

With the inclusion of new substances on the Candidate List, companies face several regulatory obligations. Under the REACH regulation, firms must inform customers and consumers if any articles they supply contain more than 0.1% of a listed SVHC. This information is crucial for ensuring safe use and handling of potentially dangerous chemicals.

Additionally, importers and producers must notify ECHA within six months if their products contain any newly listed SVHCs. Suppliers are also required to update safety data sheets for any affected products to reflect the latest information on safe usage.

Compliance and Public Safety

ECHA’s actions are part of a broader effort to protect public health and the environment from the risks posed by hazardous chemicals. By continuously updating the Candidate List and enforcing strict regulations, ECHA aims to ensure that companies comply with safety standards and that consumers are well-informed about the products they use.