ECHA Proposes to Identify Nine Substances as SVHCs

By Lynn L. Bergeson and Carla N. Hutton

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has begun public consultations on nine proposals to identify new substances of very high concern (SVHC). The substances and examples of their uses are:

• 4,4′-sulphonyldiphenol (bisphenol S; BPS): The substance is used for the manufacture of pulp, paper, and paper products; textile, leather, or fur; and chemicals.
• Perfluoroheptanoic acid and its salts: The substances are not registered under the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation.
• Melamine: The substance is used in polymers and resins, coating products, adhesives and sealants, leather treatment products, and laboratory chemicals.
• Isobutyl 4-hydroxybenzoate: The substance is used in the manufacture of substances and in coating products, fillers, putties, plasters, modeling clay, and inks and toners.
• Bis(2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate covering any of the individual isomers and/or combinations thereof: The substance is used as a flame retardant and as a plasticizer for flexible polyvinylchloride and for use in wire and cable insulation, film and sheeting, carpet backing, coated fabrics, wall coverings, and adhesives.
• Barium diboron tetraoxide: The substance is used in paints and coatings.
• Reaction mass of 2,2,3,3,5,5,6,6-octafluoro-4-(1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropan-2-yl)morpholine and 2,2,3,3,5,5,6,6-octafluoro-4-(heptafluoropropyl)morpholine (FC-770): The substance is used in articles, by professional workers (widespread uses), in formulation or re-packing, at industrial sites, and in manufacturing.
• 2,2′,6,6′-tetrabromo-4,4′-isopropylidenediphenol (tetrabromobisphenol-A; TBBPA): The substance is used as a reactive flame retardant and as an additive flame retardant in the manufacture of polymer resins, in products such as epoxy coated circuit boards, printed circuit boards, and paper and textiles.
• 1,1′-[ethane-1,2-diylbisoxy]bis[2,4,6-tribromobenzene]: The substance is not registered under REACH.

The deadline for comments is October 17, 2022.