PVC additives: new risks identified by ECHA
24/01/2024
Some of the PVC additives and microparticle releases may pose risks to people and the environment. That’s the main conclusion of the recent investigation, conducted by the European Chemical Agency, ECHA.
A while ago, the European Commission approached ECHA with the request to prepare a report on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic and its additives. As the Commission expressed:
“There are growing concerns that the alternative substances used to replace the restricted additives, particularly plasticisers and flame retardants, may themselves pose risks.”
Additional concerns arose in regards to PVC relations to the circular economy, as well as the socio-economic impacts of its possible restriction.
The investigation focused on 63 PVC additives, such as plasticisers, heat stabilisers and flame retardants.
The results indicate the need for some regulatory actions. On one hand, some of the additives were declared harmful to reproduction and developmental malformation. Likewise, it is also important to reduce emissions of flame retardants.
Lastly, the release of PVC microparticles contributes to plastic pollution. Thus, it is important to work on the implementation and improvement of technologies that can minimise those emissions, especially when concerning recycling facilities and landfills.
As ECHA has explained in their statement: “The risks from PVC resin to workers and the environment are considered adequately controlled with the current operational conditions and companies’ safety measures.”
As the investigation of those substances continues, more risks and alternatives can come to light in the future.
