Helsinki – The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has added nine further hazardous chemicals to its Candidate List of substances of very high concern. They include the reactive flame retardant bis(2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate (TBPH), whose uses include polyurethane foam, and melamine, which can be added to rigid PU foam to improve its fire resistance.
ECHA said TBPH had been added to the list because of its very persistent and very bioaccumulative nature, and melamine because of its potential to have serious effects on both humans and the environment.
Companies using chemicals on the list – which now contains 233 entries for substances that can harm either people or the environment – are responsible for managing their risks. They must also give both customers and consumers information so they can be used safely.
