The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has recommended that seven substances of very high concern (SVHCs) be added to the REACH Authorization list (Annex XIV).

The agency said they have been prioritized from the Candidate list because of their intrinsic properties combined with high volume and widespread uses that may pose a threat to human health or the environment.

Five of the substances have persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) and/or very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) properties. They include 5-sec-butyl-2-(2,4-dimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)-5-methyl-1,3-dioxane and 5-sec-butyl-2-(4,6-dimethylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl)-5- methyl-1,3-dioxane, used in fragrances for soaps and detergents; 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4,6-ditertpentylphenol, used as a UV stabilizer in plastic products, rubber and coatings; 2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-(5-chlorobenzotriazol-2-yl)phenol; 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(tert-butyl)-6-(sec-butyl)phenol; and 2-benzotriazol-2-yl-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol.

The latter three substances do not have any registered uses but were included based on grouping consideration, said ECHA, adding that this was to avoid “regrettable substitution”.

Two substances have been included because they are toxic for reproduction. They are 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, di-C6-10-alkyl esters; 1,2- benzenedicarboxylic acid, mixed decyl and hexyl and octyl diesters with ≥ 0.3% of dihexyl phthalate, all used as a plasticizer in PVC compounds or as an adhesive; and 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, which is widely used as a solvent in applications including coatings, cleaning agents and functional fluids.

ECHA said a final decision on including the substances in the Authorization list, as well as the dates by which companies will need to apply for authorization, will be taken by the European Commission in collaboration with member states and the European Parliament.

Last month, ECHA added seven SVHCs to the Candidate list, five of which were carcinogenic, one had endocrine disrupting properties and another was classified as vPvB.