ECHA’s Investigation Prompts Potential Regulatory Action on PVC Additives

As requested by the European Commission, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has conducted a thorough investigation to assess the potential risks PVC and its additives pose to human health and the environment. The investigation scrutinized 63 PVC additives, delved into possible alternatives, and evaluated the societal impacts of potential risk management measures.

Key Focus Areas and Findings: PVC Additives Under Scrutiny:

The investigation specifically targeted PVC additives, including plasticizers, heat stabilizers, and flame retardants. The findings underscore the need for regulatory action in several key areas:

1. Minimizing Risks Associated with Plasticisers:

Regulatory measures are deemed necessary to minimize risks linked to certain ortho-phthalates, which are harmful to reproduction. Addressing these risks is crucial for safeguarding human health and the environment.

2. Mitigating Risks from Heat Stabilising Organotin:

The investigation highlights the need to minimize risks associated with heat-stabilizing organotins, such as DOTE, which have been identified as potential contributors to developmental malformations and reproductive harm.

3. Reducing Emissions of Flame Retardants:

To align with ECHA's Regulatory Strategy for Flame Retardants, regulatory action is recommended to reduce emissions of flame retardants. This measure addresses potential environmental and health concerns associated with these additives.

4. Implementing and Improving Technologies for PVC Microparticle Emissions:

The investigation advocates for implementing and enhancing technologies that minimize PVC microparticle emissions, particularly at recycling facilities and landfills. This targeted approach aims to mitigate plastic pollution and reduce emissions of harmful additives in these microparticles.

Controlled Risks from PVC Resin: Worker and Environmental Safety:

While the investigation acknowledges potential risks associated with PVC additives, it concludes that the dangers from PVC resin to workers and the environment are adequately controlled under current operational conditions and companies' safety measures. The analysis considered various aspects, including materials used in PVC resin production, the production process, waste disposal, and exposure to PVC dust.

ECHA has forwarded its findings to the European Commission after a complete investigation. The Commission will now assess the report and determine whether there is a formal need to request ECHA to prepare a REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) restriction proposal. This marks a pivotal step in the regulatory process, signalling a potential shift in risk management measures for PVC additives based on the investigation's outcomes.

Reference: All news - ECHA (europa.eu)