27 Jun 2023
Bis(4-chlorophenyl) sulphone "used in the manufacture of chemicals, rubber and plastic products..."
Helsinki – The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has added a chemical used in the rubber industry to the candidate list of substances of very high concern (SVHC).
The EU agency said was listed bis(4-chlorophenyl) sulfone, for its “very persistent and very bioaccumulative hazardous properties.”
The substance "is used in the manufacture of chemicals, rubber and plastic products," according to an ECHA statement, issued 14 June.
At the same time, the agency added diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide the the candidate list as a "substance toxic for reproduction".
The chemical, it stated, is used in applications in polymers, adhesives and sealants, as well as in inks and coating products.
The SVHC candidate list now has 235 entries – some are groups of chemicals so the overall number of impacted chemicals is higher.
Importers and producers of articles have to notify ECHA if their article contains a listed SVHC within six months of its inclusion on the list.
Under the EU's Waste Framework Directive, companies also have to notify ECHA if the articles they produce contain SVHCs in concentrations above 0.1 % (weight by weight).
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