First step in REACH against chemical cocktails

Denmark has announced that it will submit a proposal to the European Chemicals Agency to restrict a small group of chemicals because of their combination effects. This is the first time a proposal for a group of substances has been made because of their additive effects.

Denmark is going to propose a form of ban on 4 phthalates because of their combined effects to human health, based on their EU classification (toxic to reproduction, category 1B) and their emissions to indoor environment and direct exposure from certain articles. The phthalates in question are DEHP, BBP, DBP, and DIBP. Denmark will submit the proposal in late April, and the dossier will then be discussed in the Agency’s Risk Assessment Committee.

A restriction in REACH can involve a ban on the use and placing on the market of a substance, with or without exemptions. For a restriction to be decided, it must be shown that:

the risk management measures being implemented are not sufficient,

action is needed at the EU level

a restriction is the most appropriate EU level measure, which is to say:

 effective - capable of reducing the risk to an acceptable level, within a reasonable period of time, proportional to the risk, and targeted to the effects or exposures causing the risks

 practical - able to be implemented, enforced and managed

 monitorable - it must be possible to monitor the result of the implementation of the proposed restriction.

The decision making must also take into account the available information on alternatives, including

 whether there is information on risks to health and environment from the manufacture and use of alternatives,

 whether alternatives are available

 whether alternatives are technically and economically feasible

The announcement was made via the REACH ’Registry of Intentions’, where Member states can signal what proposals they will make for candidate list nominations, restrictions, or for harmonising the EU classification and labelling of substances. It can be found here.

There will be a public consultation open for six months on the proposed restriction, and on the technical report done for the restriction.