New chemical on the EU list of substances of very high concern
The substance triphenyl phosphate has been identified as particularly hazardous because it can damage the hormone systems of organisms in the environment. It is used as a flame retardant and plasticiser in plastics, adhesives and sealants, among others.
The EU lists substances that may have serious effects on human health or the environment on a list called the Candidate List of substances of very high concern.
Once a substance is included on the Candidate List, it imposes immediate requirements on companies that manufacture, import or sell articles containing the substance. For example, consumers have the right to be informed on request if an article contains such a substance, professional users must receive the information without asking, and companies supplying articles to professional customers must notify the articles to a database at the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
Once a substance is placed on the Candidate List, authorisation may in future be required to use the substance and to import, sell or transfer chemical products containing it. The aim of listing substances of very high concern is to phase them out.
On 7 November, ECHA updated the Candidate List with the following substance:
Triphenyl phosphate, EC number 204-112-2, CAS number 115-86-6
Triphenyl phosphate has been identified as particularly hazardous because it can damage the endocrine system of organisms in the environment. It is used as a flame retardant and plasticiser in plastics, adhesives and sealants, among others.
