Key takeaway
What This Development Means
Six substances of very high concern are set to be added to the Candidate List in January 2025 due to their hazardous properties and environmental impact. Octamethyltrisiloxane, used in cosmetics, industrial lubricants, and coatings, is flagged for its persistence and bioaccumulation. O,O,O-triphenyl phosphorothioate and its related compounds are key additives in industrial formulations, while Perfluamine is employed in specialised chemical processes but raises environmental concerns. Tris(4-nonylphenyl, branched and linear) phosphite is used as an antioxidant in polymers, though it poses risks of endocrine disruption. Businesses are urged to address these risks by exploring safer alternatives and ensuring compliance.
What are the six substances being added to the REACH Candidate List in January 2025?
The substances include Octamethyltrisiloxane, O,O,O-triphenyl phosphorothioate, Reaction mass of triphenylthiophosphate and tertiary butylated phenyl derivatives, Perfluamine, Tris(4-nonylphenyl, branched and linear) phosphite, and 6-[(C10-C13)-alkyl-(branched, unsaturated)-2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl] hexanoic acid. These chemicals are flagged for their persistence, bioaccumulation, and hazardous impacts.
Why is Octamethyltrisiloxane classified as a substance of very high concern?
Octamethyltrisiloxane is classified as a very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) substance under the REACH regulation. Its stability in the environment and potential to accumulate in ecosystems make it a high-priority chemical for regulatory attention.
Source basis: https://echa.europa.eu/-/highlights-from-december-member-state-committee-meeting
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has announced the addition of six substances of very high concern (SVHCs) to its Candidate List in January 2025. This update, finalised during the December 2024 Member State Committee (MSC) meeting, includes Octamethyltrisiloxane, a widely used silicone compound now flagged for its environmental persistence and bioaccumulation concerns.
Six New Substances Of Very High Concern
ECHA and the MSC confirmed the following six SVHCs for inclusion in the Candidate List:
Octamethyltrisiloxane (CAS 107-51-7, EC 203-497-4): A versatile silicone compound flagged for its very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) properties.O,O,O-triphenyl phosphorothioate (CAS 597-82-0, EC 209-909-9): Recognised for its hazardous impacts under REACH.Reaction mass of triphenylthiophosphate and tertiary butylated phenyl derivatives (CAS 192268-65-8, EC 421-820-9): An organophosphate known for environmental risks.Perfluamine (CAS 338-83-0, EC 206-420-2): A perfluorinated compound associated with significant environmental concerns.Tris(4-nonylphenyl, branched and linear) phosphite: Included for its potential to disrupt endocrine systems.6-[(C10-C13)-alkyl-(branched, unsaturated)-2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl] hexanoic acid (CAS 2156592-54-8, EC 701-118-1): Added without the MSC's direct involvement due to clear hazard classifications.
Octamethyltrisiloxane: A Closer Look At Its Uses And Concerns
Octamethyltrisiloxane, also known as D3 siloxane, is a volatile silicone compound with diverse applications:
Personal Care Products: Commonly used in cosmetics and skin care formulations, it acts as a carrier and enhances product spreadability.Industrial Applications: Plays a role in manufacturing silicone polymers, lubricants, and greases.Coatings and Sealants: Contributes to water repellency in construction and automotive coatings.Textile and Leather Treatment: Imparts softness and water resistance to treated materials.
Despite its functional benefits, Octamethyltrisiloxane is now classified as an SVHC due to its environmental persistence and potential for bioaccumulation, raising concerns about long-term ecological impacts.
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