NEWS

ECHA has launched a new public consultation on thirteen potential Substances of Very High Concern

On February 28 2012, ECHA has published new proposals to identify an additional thirteen chemicals as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs). Interested parties are invited to join the public consultation by posting their comments on the ECHA website. The public consultation will be open for 45 days and will end on 12 April 2012.

The thirteen substances and their main uses within the scope of authorisation are:

1. 1, 2-bis(2-methoxyethoxy)ethane (TEGDME; triglyme) (Toxic for reproduction). A substance mainly used as a solvent or as a processing aid in the manufacture and formulation of industrial chemicals. Minor use in brake fluids and repair of motor vehicles.

2. 1, 2-dimethoxyethane; ethylene glycol dimethyl ether (EGDME) (Toxic for reproduction). A substance mainly used as a solvent or as a processing aid in the manufacture and formulation of industrial chemicals, including use as an electrolyte solvent in lithium batteries.

3. Diboron trioxide (Toxic for reproduction). A substance used in a multitude of applications, e.g., in glass and glass fibres, frits, ceramics, flame retardants, catalysts, industrial fluids, metallurgy, adhesives, inks/paints, film developers solutions, detergents and cleaners, biocides and insecticides.

4. Formamide (Toxic for reproduction). A substance mainly used as an intermediate. Minor uses as solvent, as reagent chemical (in the pharmaceutical industry) and as laboratory chemical. The substance seems further to be used in the agrochemical industry and as a plasticiser.

5. Lead (II) bis(methanesulfonate) (Toxic for reproduction). A substance mainly used in plating (both electrolytic and electroless), processes for electronic components (such as printed circuit boards).

6. TGIC (1,3,5-tris(oxiranylmethyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-trione) (Mutagenic). A substance mainly used as a hardener in resins and coatings; also used in inks for the printed circuit board industry, electrical insulation material, resin moulding systems, laminated sheeting, silk screen printing coatings, tools, adhesives, lining materials and stabilisers for plastics.

7. β-TGIC (1,3,5-tris[(2S and 2R) -2,3-epoxypropyl] -1,3,5-triazine -2,4,6- (1H,3H,5H)-trione) (Mutagenic). A substance mainly used as a hardener in resins and coatings; also used in inks for the printed circuit board industry, electrical insulation material, resin moulding systems, laminated sheeting, silk screen printing coatings, tools, adhesives, lining materials and stabilisers for plastics.

8. 4, 4'-bis (dimethylamino) benzophenone (Michler's ketone) (Carcinogenic). A substance mainly intermediated in the manufacture of triphenylmethane dyes and other substances. Further potential uses include as additive (photosensitiser) in dyes and pigments, in dry film products, as a process chemical in the production of electronic circuit boards, in research and development applications.

9. N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-4,4'-methylenedianiline (Michler's base) (Carcinogenic). A substance mainly intermediated in the manufacture of dyes and other substances. Used also as chemical reagent in research and development.

10. [4-[4, 4'-bis (dimethylamino) benzhydrylidene] cyclohexa-2, 5-dien-1-ylidene] dimethylammonium chloride (C.I. Basic Violet 3) (Carcinogenic). A substance mainly used for paper colouring and inks supplied in printer cartridges and ball pens. Further uses include staining of dried plants, marker for increasing the visibility of liquids, staining in microbial and clinical laboratories.

11. [4-[[4-anilino-1-naphthyl][4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]methylene]cyclohexa-2,5-dien-1-ylidene] dimethylammonium chloride (C.I. Basic Blue 26) (Carcinogenic). A substance mainly used in the production of inks, cleaners, and coatings, as well as for dyeing of paper, packaging, textiles, plastic products, and other types of articles. It is also used in diagnostic and analytical applications.

12. α,α-Bis[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]-4 (phenylamino)naphthalene-1-methanol (C.I. Solvent Blue 4) (Carcinogenic). A substance mainly used in the production of printing and writing inks, for dyeing of paper and in mixtures such as windscreen washing agents.

13. 4, 4'-bis (dimethylamino) -4''-(methylamino) trityl alcohol (Carcinogenic). A substance mainly used in the production of writing inks and potentially in the production of other inks, as well as for dyeing of a variety of materials.

Please note: The latter four substances were listed in SVHC as it contains Michler's ketone (EC Number: 202-027-5) or Michler's base (EC Number: 202-959-2) in a concentration ≥ 0.1% (weight / weight).

Detailed information, please refer:
http://echa.europa.eu/web/guest/view-article/-/journal_content/69ec4c10-bd37-4ec9-ba3e-ad5b1bee766a