Seven New "Substances of Very High Concern" Named by ECHA's Member State Committee

The Member State Committee (MSC) of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in Helsinki, Finland, has named an additional seven substances as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) under the REACH chemical regulation in Europe.  Listing of these chemicals is based on them being CMR, i.e., being either carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive toxins.  The seven substances are:

• 2-ethoxyethylacetate
• strontium chromate
• 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, di-C7-11 branched and linear esters (DHNUP)
• hydrazine
• 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone
• 1,2,3-trichloropropane
• 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, di-C6-8 branched alkyl esters, C7-rich (DIHP)

All seven new substances are to be listed on the candidate list.  DHNUP and DIHP will join other phthalates on the candidate list.  Ultimately, substances on the candidate list could be added to Annex XIV of REACH, which means they would be subject to banning unless manufacturers successfully apply for authorization for continued use. Authorization is normally for a very limited period of time (e.g., 4-5 years), generally is restricted to specific uses, and must be accompanied by a plan to find suitable, less hazardous, substitutes.

Once the MSC formally presents its recommendations to ECHA, the Agency will add the substances to the candidate list.

The ECHA announcement can be read here.

The current candidate list can be found here.