ECHA recommends that eight substances of very high concern be subject to authorisation

Press Release
ECHA/PR/10/27
Media enquiries: ECHA Press

Helsinki, 20 December 2010 - The European Chemicals Agency has submitted to the European Commission a recommendation that eight chemical substances of very high concern should in future not be used without authorisation. Four of the substances are classified as both carcinogenic and toxic to reproduction, three as carcinogenic and one as toxic to reproduction. They are all used in processes or products to which workers or consumers are exposed.

The protection of human health and the environment is at the heart of REACH. Making these eight substances of very high concern (SVHCs) subject to authorisation seeks to ensure that their risks are properly controlled and that the substances are progressively replaced.

The eight substances are:

• Diisobutyl phthalate – DIBP (toxic to reproduction). A substance used as plasticiser for nitrocellulose, polyacrylate and polyacetate dispersions;
• Diarsenic trioxide – As203 (carcinogen). A substance used in the manufacture of glass with special properties and of zinc;
• Diarsenic pentaoxide – As205 (carcinogen). A substance which could be used as a replacement for diarsenic trioxide, no known current uses in the EU;
• Lead chromate (carcinogen and toxic to reproduction). A substance used as pigment and in the manufacture of pyrotechnics;
• Lead sulfochromate yellow - C.I. Pigment Yellow 34 (carcinogen and toxic to reproduction). A pigment used to colour plastics and coatings;
• Lead chromate molybdate sulphate red - C.I. Pigment Red 104 (carcinogen and toxic to reproduction). A pigment with similar uses as lead sulfochromate yellow;
• Tris(2-chloroethyl)phosphate – TCEP (toxic to reproduction). A substance used as a plasticiser and viscosity regulator with flame-retarding properties for coatings;
• 2,4-Dinitrotoluene - 2,4-DNT (carcinogen). A substance mainly used in explosives and propellants for ammunition.

The final decision on the inclusion of the substances in Annex XIV of the REACH Regulation will eventually be taken by the European Commission following the regulatory procedure with scrutiny. Then, substances on the List can only be used within the EU when authorised for specific purposes.