The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has expanded its Candidate List by adding five new chemicals considered hazardous. These additions bring the total number of entries to 240, encompassing substances known to be detrimental to human health and the environment.
Key Additions and Updates
- 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenol (EC: 211-989-5, CAS: 732-26-3) – Classified as toxic for reproduction and persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT), this chemical is commonly used in the manufacture of another substance, in mixtures, and fuel products.
- 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol (EC: 221-573-5, CAS: 3147-75-9) – Identified as very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB), it's found in air care products, coatings, adhesives, lubricants, and cleaning products.
- 2-(dimethylamino)-2-[(4-methylphenyl)methyl]-1-[4-(morpholin-4-yl)phenyl]butan-1-one (EC: 438-340-0, CAS: 119344-86-4) – Known for its toxicity in reproduction, this substance is used in inks, toners, and coatings.
- Bumetrizole (EC: 223-445-4, CAS: 3896-11-5) – A vPvB substance found in coatings, adhesives, and cleaning products.
- Oligomerisation and alkylation reaction products of 2-phenylpropene and phenol (EC: 700-960-7) – Also classified as vPvB, this chemical is used in adhesives, coatings, and inks.
In addition to these new entries, the ECHA updated the Candidate List entry for dibutyl phthalate (EC: 201-557-4, CAS: 84-74-2) to include its endocrine-disrupting properties affecting the environment.
Consequences and Responsibilities
With these updates, the Candidate List serves as a critical tool for companies, obligating them to manage the risks associated with these chemicals effectively. The list’s expansion has real-world implications for manufacturers, importers, and suppliers.
Businesses that deal with these substances, whether as pure chemicals, in mixtures, or in products, must now adhere to stringent regulations. This includes providing detailed safety information to customers and consumers, particularly if a product contains over 0.1% of a Candidate List substance.
Furthermore, under the Waste Framework Directive, companies must notify ECHA if their products contain these hazardous chemicals in concentrations above 0.1%. This notification is crucial for maintaining the ECHA’s SCIP database, a public record of substances of concern.
Looking Ahead
These recent inclusions in the Candidate List are a reminder of ECHA's ongoing commitment to safeguarding environmental and public health. The added chemicals, found in everyday products like inks, toners, adhesives, and cleaning agents, underscore the pervasive nature of these substances.
The ECHA, with the support of its Member State Committee, continues to scrutinize and update its list, reflecting new scientific findings and environmental concerns. This proactive approach is vital for the continued protection of EU citizens and ecosystems from the harmful effects of hazardous chemicals.
