On 2 June 2009, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) recommended that seven of the fifteen substances on the “Candidate List” be entered into Annex XIV of REACH. In making their selection, ECHA took into consideration the dangerous properties of each substance, the volumes of each, and how widely they are used, as well as the likelihood of exposure for human beings and the environment. Furthermore, statements from concerned members of the public regarding the recommendations on the Candidate List were also taken into account, as were the opinions of the Member State Committees.

Now, the European Commission still has to finally decide by "comitology" procedure on the inclusion of the seven substances in the Authorisation List. The seven substances are those selected by ECHA in January as being of the highest priority:

• 5-tert-butyl-2,4,6-trinitro-m-xylene (musk xylene): used primarily as a fragrance enhancer in perfumes and other perfumed formulations (e.g. fabric softeners) and perfumed products (e.g. cosmetic tissues). 5-tert-butyl-2,4,6-trinitro-m-xylene is rated as very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB), (Art. 57 e REACH Regulation). ECHA has therefore determined to include this substance in the Authorisation List.

Alkanes, C10-13, chloro (Short Chain Chlorinated Paraffins; SCCPs): used primarily as a cooling lubricant and hydraulic oil in metal working operations outside the EU and also as a flame retardant in rubber. In addition, it can also be used as a plasticiser, in paints, varnishes and sealants. Alkanes, C 10-13 meets the persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic criteria as well as the very persistent and very bioaccumulative criteria (vPvB), (Art. 57 d und e REACH Regulation).

• Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD): is a flame retardant for polystyrene, expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene foam and high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) and primarily appears in all products made from styrofoam. HIPS is often employed as insulation for electrical components, e.g. connectors, for cases for electrical devices (telephones, televisions) and CD jewel cases. Hexabromocyclododecane is persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (Art. 57 d REACH Regulation). ECHA has therefore determined to include this substance in the Authorisation List.

4,4'- Diaminodiphenylmethane (MDA): is an intermediate of Diphenylmethandiisocyanate, a very important raw material for polyurethane (PUR foam). Additionally, it is used as a hardener for epoxy resins and adhesives. In finished products, it is only present in trace amounts. 4,4'- Diaminodiphenylmethane can cause cancer (Art. 57 a REACH Regulation).

Bis (2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP): a plasticiser for PVC and other synthetics (rubber, latex). It is used in paints, varnishes, glues, fillers, printing ink, pigments, as well as in dielectric fluids in capacitors and sealants. In addition, it is a component in cable sheathing, floor coverings, and cars (body cavity protection). This substance is toxic for reproduction (Art. 57 c REACH Regulation). ECHA has therefore determined to include this substance in the Authorisation List.

Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP): a plasticiser for PVC (floor coverings), sealants and seals in glues, paints, varnishes, and other coating compounds. Among other things, it is also found in such PVC articles as cable insulation, electrical installation materials and PVC sheeting. Benzyl butyl phthalate is toxic for reproduction (Art. 57 c REACH Regulation). ECHA has therefore determined to include this substance in the Authorisation List.

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP): is used primarily as a plasticiser for PVC, in glues and in other coating compounds. In products, it appears particularly in soft PVC parts, e.g. cable insulation, PVC sheeting or sealants. Dibutyl phthalate is toxic for reproduction (Art. 57 c REACH Regulation).


Source:
"ECHA RECOMMENDS STRICT CONTROL FOR SEVEN SUBSTANCES OF VERY HIGH CONCERN"

http://echa.europa.eu/news/press_en.asp