ECHA invites consultation on potential substances of very high concern

ERJ staff report (LMH)

Helsinki -- The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published proposals to identify 20 chemicals as substances of very high concern (SVHCs) including 4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol, (4-tert-Octylphenol), which is used in rubber articles.

Detailed proposals are available on the ECHA website. Interested parties are invited to comment on the proposals by 13 Oct 2011.

Comments should focus primarily on the hazardous properties that qualify the chemicals as SVHCs and on the substance identity, ECHA said in a 29 Aug statement.

In addition, interested parties can provide comments and further information on the uses, exposures and availability of safer alternative substances or techniques. They should be aware that these aspects will mainly be considered at the next stage of the process -- the selection of substances for authorisation -- which includes a new round of public consultation.

Nineteen substances are proposed because of their potentially serious effects on human health. They are classified as carcinogenic and/or toxic for reproduction, according to the ECHA statement. In addition, 4-tert-Octylphenol is proposed to be identified as a substance of equivalent concern in accordance with Article 57(f) of the REACH regulation because of its endocrine disrupting properties and potential for serious effects to the environment, ECHA said.

There are already 53 substances on the candidate list. Inclusion on the list imposes new information requirements on suppliers of preparations and articles containing the substances.

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Press release from ECHA