EU legislation limits the use of certain substances in products. What are some of the most important ones, in which products do they occur, and how to find a testing lab for such products?
The use of certain chemicals in products is restricted by laws and regulations in order to protect human health and the environment. The most important EU regulation in this context is the REACH regulation with the SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) list in its annexes. In this article, we will explore the restrictions on specific substances that are on this list, as well as some examples of products in which these substances might occur.
REACH and SVHC
The REACH regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) is a EU regulation that was introduced to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the risks posed by chemicals. It came into force in 2007 and applies to all chemicals produced or imported into the EU in quantities of one tonne or more per year.
The REACH regulation is structured into several parts, including:
- Registration: This part of the regulation requires manufacturers and importers of chemicals to register their substances with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). The registration process includes submitting information on the properties and uses of the chemical, as well as conducting any necessary testing to ensure the safety of the substance.
- Evaluation: This part of the regulation allows EU Member States and the ECHA to evaluate the information submitted during the registration process to ensure that the substance is being used safely. This includes identifying any potential risks and determining if additional testing or restrictions are needed.
- Authorization: This part of the regulation requires companies to obtain authorization from the ECHA to use certain substances that are considered to be of high concern (such as those that are carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction). To obtain authorization, companies must demonstrate that the benefits of using the substance outweigh the risks and that there are no suitable alternatives.
- Restriction: This part of the regulation allows the EU to restrict the use of certain substances that are considered to be of high concern. The restriction can be placed on the production, placing on the market, or use of a substance, or a combination of these. The restriction can be based on a number of factors, including the risks posed by the substance and the availability of alternatives.
In addition to the main parts of the REACH regulation, there are also several annexes that provide more detailed information on specific aspects of the regulation. For example:
- Annex I: This annex provides information on the information that must be included in a registration dossier.
- Annex II: This annex provides information on the requirements for a chemical safety report, which must be submitted as part of the registration process.
- Annex XVII: This annex provides a list of substances that are restricted under REACH and the conditions under which they can be used.
- Annex XIV: This annex provides a list of substances that require authorization under REACH.
- Annex XV: This annex provides information on the procedure for the identification of substances of very high concern (SVHCs) and the inclusion of these substances on the candidate list.
Examples of restricted substances
Lead
One example of a substance that is restricted according to the SVHC list is lead. Lead is a toxic metal that can cause serious health problems, including damage to the nervous system, the blood and the reproductive system. It is also harmful to the environment. Under REACH, the use of lead in products is restricted, and manufacturers and importers are required to register any lead-containing products that they produce or import. Lead can be found in products such as paint, ceramics, and electronic devices.
Cadmium
Another SVHC example of is cadmium. Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal that can cause cancer and damage to the lungs, bones and kidneys. It is also harmful to the environment. Under REACH, the use of cadmium in products is restricted, and manufacturers and importers are required to register any cadmium-containing products that they produce or import. Cadmium can be found in products such as batteries, pigments and electronic devices.
Hexavalent chromium
A third example of a substance that is on the SVHC list is hexavalent chromium. Hexavalent chromium is a toxic substance that can cause cancer and damage to the respiratory system. It is also harmful to the environment. Under REACH, the use of hexavalent chromium in products is restricted, and manufacturers and importers are required to register any hexavalent chromium-containing products that they produce or import. Hexavalent chromium can be found in products such as pigments, wood preservatives, and electroplating.
Bisphenol A (BPA)
BPA is a chemical used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It is restricted under REACH Annex XVII due to its endocrine disrupting properties. BPA can be found in a wide range of products including plastic bottles, food packaging, and thermal paper.
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
PFOA is a synthetic chemical used in the production of non-stick coatings and stain-resistant fabrics. It is restricted under REACH Annex XVII due to its persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic properties. PFOA can be found in products such as non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and stain-resistant carpets.
Phthalates
Phthalates are a group of chemicals used as plasticizers in the production of various plastic products. Some phthalates are listed as SVHC due to their endocrine disrupting properties. Phthalates can be found in products such as PVC flooring, vinyl toys, and medical devices.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a colorless gas used as a preservative and disinfectant in various products. It is restricted under REACH Annex XVII due to its carcinogenic and irritant properties. Formaldehyde can be found in products such as building materials, textiles, and personal care products.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
PAHs are a group of chemicals that are produced when organic matter is burned. Several PAHs are listed as SVHC due to their carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. PAHs can be found in products such as rubber, plastics, and bitumen.
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
DBP is a chemical used as a plasticizer and solvent in various products. It is restricted under REACH Annex XVII due to its endocrine disrupting properties. DBP can be found in products such as nail polish, adhesives, and sealants.
Testing for restricted substances
Manufacturers and importers must make sure that the products that they are dealing with meet the REACH restrictions. In order to determine the amount of restricted substances in these products, specialized testing laboratories are the suitable service providers that can help in this case. For each of the various restricted chemicals covered by the SVHC list, there are test methods to show if the substance can be found in the test sample or not. That means that testing for every single one of these substances would require a long list of analyses, which can drive up testing costs, especially in the case of a complex product made out of many different materials. This is why very often manufacturers and importers opt for a risk-based approach. That means that testing is only ordered for those substances that are relatively likely to be found in the specific product. For plastic bottles, for example, BPA testing would make sense, whereas for electronic products, lead testing may be a reasonable choice. Not every testing lab offers every type of analysis, so finding suitable testing service providers can be a challenge. One relatively simple way of finding suitable chemical testing labs is a free request using the testxchange online platform. In a short online request form, users can describe what kind of product they want to bring to market and which tests they need for it. The request is then shared with various laboratories at the same time. These labs can then reply to the request and send quotes for the chemical testing that is needed.