EU - ECHA Proposes Seven Substances for Authorization

ECHA recommends for the European Commission to add seven substances, including the cyclosiloxanes Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4), decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) and dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6), to the Authorization List which may need to apply for authorization to continue using them in the future.

D4, D5, and D6 are considered harmful to the environment and human health. ECHA prioritized these chemicals from the Candidate List because they are hazardous, produced in high volumes and widely used.

D4 is used in washing and cleaning products, processing aid in the semiconductor industry, polishes and waxes. It is also used to manufacture silicones such as sealants.

D5 is used in washing and cleaning products, polishes and waxes. It is also used to treat textiles and as a dye additive, manufacture silicones such as sealants.

D6 is used in washing and cleaning products, polishes and waxes. It is also used to manufacture silicones such as sealants.

D4 and D5 are already restricted in wash-off cosmetic products in a concentration below 0.1% by weight (REACH Annex XVII Entry 70). D4, D5 and D6 are in the process of being restricted in personal care products and other consumer/professional products, e.g. dry cleaning, waxes and polishes, washing and cleaning products under REACH. The cyclosiloxanes have been prioritized for inclusion in the Authorization List as some of their uses, for example, industrial production of electronics and some professional uses such as dry cleaning in closed systems, are not covered by the restriction activities. 

Terphenyl, hydrogenated is considered to be harmful for the environment. The substance is used as a heat transfer fluid mainly in industrial installations and plasticizer as well as in adhesives, tapes, sealants, electrical insulating coatings, inks and paints and can also be found in some plastic articles, e.g. electric cables.

The three other substances – dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP), disodium octaborate and trimellitic anhydride (TMA) – are considered harmful to human health. They may be used to replace substances with similar chemical structures and uses that have already been recommended or included in the Authorization List.

DCHP is used as a plasticizer in a wide range of polymers including PVC. It is also used as an additive in resins, paints, lacquers and varnishes to aid flexibility and to provide water-resistance in ink.

Disodium octaborate is used in paints, lubricants, adhesives and construction materials.

TMA has no use in the scope of the authorization but it is included to avoid regrettable substitution in epoxy resin hardeners.

The final decision will be taken by the European Commission together with the EU Member States and the European Parliament.