The Danish Environmental Protection Agency (DEPA) recently completed a thorough evaluation of the Oligomerisation and alkylation reaction products of 2-phenylpropene and phenol (OAPP), a substance used in various industrial applications. This assessment, part of the EU's REACH regulation aimed at ensuring chemical safety, addressed concerns regarding the substance’s environmental and human health impacts.
Key Findings
The evaluation focused on the potential PBT/vPvB properties (Persistence, Bioaccumulation, and Toxicity/very Persistent and very Bioaccumulative) of OAPP, alongside its endocrine-disrupting potential both in the environment and for human health. The findings confirmed that certain components of OAPP meet the criteria for being considered as very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB). However, the concerns related to endocrine disruption in human health were not substantiated by the available data, leading to a conclusion that no regulatory follow-up is required at the EU level for these concerns.
Regulatory Actions Proposed
Based on the vPvB findings, DEPA has recommended that OAPP be identified as a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC), which may lead to its inclusion in the EU's Authorization List. This classification prompts a need for industry users to seek permission before using the substance, aiming to phase out its usage unless specifically authorized under strict conditions.
Next Steps and Recommendations
The DEPA suggests further regulatory measures to mitigate the environmental risks posed by OAPP, particularly due to its confirmed endocrine-disrupting effects in the environment. The exact regulatory path—whether through SVHC identification or other means—will be determined after additional analyses and consultations within the EU framework.
Implications for Industry
The substance is widely used across various industrial and consumer applications. It is a key ingredient in the manufacture of polymers, adhesives, sealants, coatings, fillers, putties, plasters, modeling clay, and inks and toners. These uses span across diverse sectors including building and construction, the automotive industry, furniture manufacturing, and the production of electrical and optical equipment. OAPP is also found in long-life consumer products such as flooring, toys, furniture, and paper products, emphasizing its role in providing durability and stability in these materials.
Companies using OAPP will need to monitor the regulatory developments closely and prepare for potential restrictions. This might include seeking alternatives to OAPP or adjusting formulations to mitigate its environmental impact.
