HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS
CAN BE SUBSTITUTED
– DEVELOPMENTS SINCE 2006
MAY 2012
CONTENTS
1
INTRODUCTION · 3
2
WHY SUBSTITUTE AND WHAT IS SUBSTITUTION? · 4
3
LEGISLATION IN DENMARK AND IN THE EU · 5
REACH – a brief introduction · 5
Warning lists and substitution · 7
Substitution portal and networks · 9
4
E X A M P L E S O F S U B S T I T U T I O N · 10
Fourteen Danish companies - developments since our 2006 report
Brødrene Hartmann · 11
Danfoss · 13
Danisco · 15
Nakskov Sugar Mill · 20
nkt-cables · 21
Fujitsu · 24
Poul E. Meier · 28
Dana Lim · 29
Kymi Rens · 32
Logstor · 34
Frigor · 36
Abena · 38
Novadan · 39
Kompan · 42
New examples - from Denmark and abroad · 44
Melitek - PVCFreeBloodBag · 47
Substitution at hospitals – Westfriesgasthuis (NL), Karolinska (S),
Sygehus Sønderjylland (DK) · 50
Bisphenol A substitution · 52
Boston shoecare · 54
5 . S U M M A R Y · 55
6 . R E A D M O R E · 57
Warning and priority lists · 59
Hazardous Chemicals Can Be Substituted
– Developments since 2006
1st issue, May 2012
ISBN: 978-87-92044-45-7
Text by: Eline Aggerholm Kristensen, Christian Ege
Translation: Karen Bahn Kristensen, Eline
Aggerholm
Layout: Hanne Koch / DesignKonsortiet
Printed by: KLS Grafisk Hus A/S
The publication can be downloaded from
The Ecological Council’s website:
www.ecocouncil.dk. Quoting, copying and
other use of the content of this publication is
permitted and encouraged so long as credit is
given to its source.
Published by: The Ecological Council
- with funding from the Velux Foundation
The Ecological Council
Blegdamsvej 4b
2200 Copenhagen N · Denmark
Ph.: (+45) 3315 0977
E-mail: [email protected]
www.ecocouncil.dk
1 INTRODUCTION
This pamphlet is a follow-up to the publication
“Hazardous Chemicals Can Be Substituted”
published in 2006. Substitution is still a hot
topic, and we see more and more companies
choosing this approach. The drivers are the
desire to be ahead of chemicals legislation, to
meet their social and environmental responsibility, and to attain or maintain a good reputation in their sector. A major milestone since
our last publication was the adoption of the
European Union chemicals legislation called
REACH. REACH consolidates chemicals legislation for the entire EU and will - ultimately strengthen the entire chemicals field. This,
however, does not eliminate the need for companies themselves to take initiative and perform substitutions.
PUBLICATION FROM
2006
BY
THE ECOLOGICAL COUNCIL
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS CAN BE SUBSTITUTED
3
2 WHY SUBSTITUTE AND WHAT IS
SUBSTITUTION?
According to the principle of substitution, dangerous chemical substances used in products
or processes should be substituted with less
dangerous alternatives. These alternatives may
be less harmful chemicals, technical changes
of processes, and implementation of alternative technologies in the production. By phasing out the use of a dangerous chemical substance the exposure of both humans and the
environment stops completely – this is a good
example of how to use the precautionary principle.
There may be many reasons for a company to
opt for substitution. One reason may be
requirements or demands from customers,
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THE ECOLOGICAL COUNCIL
another may be new knowledge about production methods and alternative ingredients, and
there may also be new legislation in the field.
Companies may also seek to be ahead of the
chemicals legislation. They may get a competitive advantage by creating a green image,
thereby getting publicity and reaching more
consumer groups.
3 LEGISLATION IN DENMARK AND IN
THE EU
In Denmark, we must comply with the chemicals legislation REACH. REACH is a regulation
and therefore applies directly to all EU
Member States. REACH is an abbreviation of
Registration, Evaluation, and Authorisation of
Chemicals. It was introduced in 2007, as it
became clear that the chemicals regulations in
force at that time were insufficient in terms of
protecting man and the environment against
harmful substances. In 1981 the EU introduced requirements to the effect that new
substances were to be examined before being
placed on the market. However, there were no
requirements for examining the approximately
100,000 chemical substances that were
already on the market in 1981. This was one of
the drivers behind the reform that started in
1998, when the EU Commission published an
analysis of the law in force, pinpointing a large
number of serious shortcomings. REACH now
replaces more than 40 former EU directives
and provisions.
REACH - a brief introduction
REACH consists of three basic elements:
Registration, Evaluation, and Authorisation,
and it rests on the principle of ”no data, no
market”. There are around 100,000 chemicals
on the European market, of which 30,000 fall
within the scope of REACH. Substances not
covered by REACH are mainly chemicals used
as a food additive and in medicinal products
as well as substances used in relatively small
quantities (less than 1 tonne/producer/year),
such as laboratory chemicals. In the field of
bans and authorisation many substances are
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS CAN BE SUBSTITUTED
5
Registration deadline:
Substances > 1 tonne/year
Registration deadline:
Substances > 100 tonnes/year
Registration deadline:
Substances > 1,000 tonnes/year
R50/R53 substances > 100 tonnes/year
CMR substances categori 1 and 2 > 1 tonne/year
Publication of the substances pre-registered
by ECHA. Commencement of registration
Start of the
pre-registration phase
REACH comes into effect
1. 6. 2007
1. 6. - 30.11 2008
1. 1. 2009
covered by other directives and are therefore
not included in that part of REACH. This
applies to groups such as cosmetic products,
pesticides and biocides, and medical devices.
REACH covers chemicals used in a quantity
exceeding 1 tonne a year. It includes chemicals produced, imported, used as an intermediate, or placed on the market as a chemical, in
preparations (such as paints), and in articles
(such as furniture).
The deadline and the extent of information
required in the registration of chemicals
depend on the quantity produced. For chemicals produced in quantities exceeding 10
tonnes a year, a Chemical Safety Assessment
(CSA) and a Chemical Safety Report (CSR) must
be drawn up. However, a phase-in period of
eleven years has been introduced for existing
chemicals produced and sold before 1981,
and many substances under REACH will thereby not be registered until 2018. Substances
produced in large quantities (more than 1,000
tonnes/producer/year), and substances that
have carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for
reproduction (CMR) properties or are toxic to
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THE ECOLOGICAL COUNCIL
1. 12. 2010
1. 6. 2013
1. 6. 2018
the aquatic environment and are produced in
quantities exceeding 100 tonnes had to be
registered by 2010. Other substances produced/imported in quantities exceeding 100
tonnes must be registered by 2013. Finally,
substances produced/imported in quantities
exceeding 1 tonne must be registered by
2018. For chemicals produced in quantities
between 1 and 10 tonnes/year the registration
requirements are less stringent and only consist of very basic safety information or available existing information. It may not be sufficient in all cases to classify a substance as
being harmful or not to the environment and
human health.
After registration, the European Chemicals
Agency - ECHA - in cooperation with the
Member State authorities goes through submitted data in a prioritized order, assessing
the potential for harm of the substance.
Substances assessed to be of very high concern – SVHC – are included in the candidate
list. Consumers may at any time contact a producer or an importer of a product and within
45 days be informed whether it contains a
substance from the candidate list in a concentration above 0.1 % weight by weight. So far,
only 73 substances have been included in the
list. Substances included in the candidate list
may eventually be included in the priority list
of substances to be authorised, thereby undergoing an authorisation procedure (Annex XIV).
When a substance has been included in the
authorisation list, it is necessary to apply for
authorisation to use the substance, and the
applicant must analyse possible alternatives. If
such alternatives are available, the applicant
must present a substitution plan.
Dangerous substances not qualifying for this
list are treated according to a less stringent
procedure. They can be used in industrial production or processes considered as “under
adequate control” - this is typically closed
loops. The problematic aspect of this is that if
a substance is placed in this category it is due
to the fact that knowledge about its hazardousness is insufficient. Much experience
shows that chemical substances considered as
under adequate control have caused critical
exposure of man and the environment, for
instance due to closed loops not being closed
and substances having entered the environment in the waste management stage.
Under REACH there is also a list of substances
with restrictions and prohibition of use - the
restricted substances list (RLS), also called
Annex XVII. Here, a number of bans are gathered that used to be included in directives and
statutory orders, but new rules have also been
adopted since the introduction of REACH. RLS
is divided into two categories. One category
includes substances with a restricted use or a
restricted content in certain products. For
instance, the mass fraction of benzene must
not exceed 5mg/kg in toys or parts of toys,
and polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) must not
be used in textiles such as underwear, blankets, clothing, and other materials coming into
contact with the skin. The other category is a
restriction on all uses and covers substances
such as asbestos, dichloro[(dichlorophenyl)methyl]methylbenzene and monomethyldibromodiphenylmethane.
The REACH regulation includes a timeline with
important events. These events include a
recast of REACH in 2012, and in 2013 it will be
decided whether substances having endocrine
disrupting properties should fall under REACH.
Warning lists and substitution
Many of the companies substituting chemicals
are using the candidate list as a guideline for
which substances to avoid. They do so to
avoid having to go through another substitution when the substance eventually will be
subject to authorisation. REACH in itself is
thereby a good guidance for companies, since
it provides an insight into which substances
are problematic and worthwhile to substitute and which are a bad choice to substitute into.
In Denmark the Danish Environmental
Protection Agency has drawn up a list of undesirable substances, which is a signal list and a
guideline for manufacturers, product developers, purchasers, and other players regarding
chemicals whose use will be restricted or completely stopped in the future. Only substances
used in Denmark in quantities exceeding 100
tonnes are included in this list. Another and
more extensive list is the list of effect, which is
a good supplement in a substitution case. This
list shows all substances that have one or
more of the problematic characteristics that
are defined according to the same criteria as
for substances on the list of undesirable subHAZARDOUS CHEMICALS CAN BE SUBSTITUTED
7
stances. In addition, the list of effect has no
quantitative limit, and therefore all substances
of high concern are included, whether or not
they are used in Denmark. The list of effect
consists of around 19,500 substances selected
according to the following criteria:
> problematic characteristics on the ”EU list
of harmonized classification”
> problematic characteristics according to
computer-based model calculations on the
”Danish Environmental Protection Agency’s
Advisory list for self-classification of dangerous substances” (QSAR1-list)
> identified persistent and bioaccumulating
substances - in the EU called PBT/vPvB
> substances on the EU priority list of potential endocrine disruptors
The list of effect is thereby significantly more
extensive than the candidate list and the list
of undesirable substances, and it is a very
good tool for companies aiming to avoid substances with similar hazardous effects when
they are looking for better alternatives in a
substitution case.
list”, covering the most dangerous chemicals
according to EU regulation. The SIN list contains substances complying with the criteria
for SVHC under REACH. These are substances
that may be carcinogenic, change DNA, have
endocrine disrupting properties, or harm the
reproductive system. It also covers toxic substances that are persistent and accumulate in
nature with the ensuing potential of causing
severe and long-term irreversible effects. The
SIN list covers today 378 substances whereas
the candidate list only covers 73 substances.
Swedish NGO ChemSec has published the”SIN
1 QSAR=Quantitative Structure Activity Relations. A computer programme that can derive with relatively high certainty the
hazardous properties of chemical substances based on a comparison of their chemical structure. The degree of certainty varies, however, between different hazardous properties.
8
THE ECOLOGICAL COUNCIL
Substitution portal and networks
Business networks exist in which companies
involved in substitution meet and share experience with other companies wishing to reduce
their consumption of dangerous chemicals.
Sweden is home to a ’ChemSec Business
group’ covering, among others, Boots, Dell,
IKEA, and Sony Ericsson, and in the USA there
is a group ’BizNGO’ with Construction
Specialities, Staples, Hewlett-Packard, and
Method among their members. Another tool
for companies wishing to substitute is the substitution portal “Subsport”, which is an EU
LIFE+ supported project. Subsport is an internet portal containing resources to help finding
alternatives to dangerous chemicals. It is not
just a source of information on alternative
substances and technologies; it also provides
tools and advice in the evaluation of substances as well as information about how to
manage a substitution process. Starting a substitution process may be quite a challenge for
a company - both in terms of finances and
resources, so it is really important that good
tools are available. Warning lists, networks,
and portals may help companies getting started, thereby promoting the entire field of substitution.
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS CAN BE SUBSTITUTED
9
4 EXAMPLES OF SUBSTITUTION
Fourteen Danish companies – developments
since our 2006 report
This section presents the substitution projects
that were described in the publication
“Hazardous Chemicals Can Be Substituted”
from 2006. We have contacted the companies
and asked how the substitution cases proceed
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THE ECOLOGICAL COUNCIL
and whether they have made other substitutions or have plans to do so. Some companies
are really active in their substitution efforts,
while others have felt the financial crisis
through the customers’ increased focus on
cheap goods at the expense of less harmful
products.
BRØDRENE HARTMANN
Interview with Ms Charlotte Brix Merlin,
EcoDesign and Product Safety Manager
At Skjern Paper Mill Brødrene Hartmann substituted the intumescing agent Sursol*VL with
Rheocol ACP further to a customer request.
Hartmann assessed the chemical and since
they found it harmful to occupational health
and the environment they contacted the customer and planned to look for a better solution. Despite its poorer quality Rheocol ACP
was chosen to substitute the substance with
harmful effects.
Brødrene Hartmann furthermore acquired a
Brazilian factory that had a number of challenges regarding chemicals. The challenges
were surveyed and a number of changes
made; among others, powder dyes were
replaced with water-based dyes.
Today, Brødrene Hartmann no longer owns
Skjern Paper Mill and the Brazilian factory.
However, the company continues to follow the
same approach regarding chemicals and an
ABC system (a tool used to pinpoint chemicals
where substitution should be considered).
They do not use the Danish Environmental
Protection Agency’s list of undesirable substances, since they no longer find it relevant
due to the REACH regulation. They now have a
policy of not using chemicals appearing on the
European candidate list and thus being categorized as substances of very high concern
according to REACH.
To improve the opportunities of using environmentally friendly dyes, Brødrene Hartmann
have implemented a new dye dosing system in
their facilities that increases the flexibility
regarding which pulp dyes to use.
The company substitutes continuously and
has, for example, substituted the cleaning
agent ’P3-Clint KF’ that contains nitrilotriacetate (NTA), a suspected carcinogen. Instead,
the company now uses ’P3 Topactive LA’ containing presumably harmless alkylpolyglycosides (APG).
Furthermore, the company has substituted the
process oil ’Q8 Puccini 19 P’, which contains
dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) with ’Q8 Medicinal
white oil’, a white mineral oil. This substitution
was made due to the fact that products are
suspected of being carcinogenic at contents
exceeding 3 % of DMSO.
Furthermore, Brødrene Hartmann has carried
out a number of occupational health related
substitutions, and the company has substituted a number of dyes due to their flammability.
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS CAN BE SUBSTITUTED
11
Facts on Sursol*VL
Sursol*VL is used to soften cardboard. Sursol are ethers formed by ethoxylated- or propoxylated
aliphatic alcohols with 12 – 18 carbon atoms. The alcohols are primarily linear. The structure of
the propoxylated, linear, primary alcohol with 12 carbon atoms is shown below:
CH3 – (CH2)10 – CH2 – O – CH2 – CH2 – CH3
Sursol*VL is classified as dangerous for environment. It is severely toxic to organisms living in
water, and it is suspected to cause long-term damage to water environments. Furthermore,
Sursol*VL affects humans, as it may cause skin irritations, and it is therefore classified as irritant. It
is recommended that people working with Sursol*VL carry protective clothes and eyewear, and
avoid inhalation.
Facts about nitrilotriacetic acid
Nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) is a polyamino carboxylic acid and is
used as a chelating agent which forms complexes with metal ions
(chelates), such as Ca2+, Cu2+ or Fe3+.
NTA is used in detergents and is suspected of being carcinogenic.
O
OH
HO
N
O
O
HO
Facts about dimethyl sulfoxide
Dimethylformamide (DMF) is a liquid which can dissolve both organic and inorganic substances.
DMF is a common solvent for chemical reactions and is used as a solvent for plastics and coatings.
(CH3)2SO
DMSO is used in medicaments, as it penetrates the skin and other membranes without damaging
them and is able to transport drugs into a biological system.
DMSO can cause allergies and is irritating to skin, eyes and the respiratory system. If a product
contains more than 3% DMSO, it has to be labeled as carcinogenic.
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THE ECOLOGICAL COUNCIL
DANFOSS
Interview with Ms Lone Damm, Senior Approval
Consultant
Danfoss produces thermostats etc. They substituted a large number of their chlorine-containing cooling lubricants in favour of phosphorus and zinc compounds, vegetable and
animal oils, and some sulphur compounds.
The problematic substance in cooling lubricant
is medium and long-chain chlorinated paraffins. The company used to have 7-8 chlorinecontaining oils that are now substituted with
5-6 oils not containing chlorine. Consumption
of chlorine-containing lubricants has been on
a steady decrease; in 1989 it was at 250
tonnes/year, in 2006 7 tonnes/
year, and today Danfoss has reached a consumption of 2-3 tonnes/year. The reduction
that has taken place from 2006 to 2012 is due
to several facts, for instance process substitution, in which Danfoss has gone through their
production processes and further developed
them. In addition, the reduction is due to substitution of products not containing chlorine as
well as a reduction in the production itself.
Substitution projects are continuously
launched, and they are selected according to
substances being included in their negative
list. This negative list is based on legislation in
force, including the list of undesirable substances from the Danish Environmental
Protection Agency and the European candidate
and authorisation lists under the REACH regulation. Danfoss also uses German TRGS (technical rules for dangerous substances) to avoid
the use of secondary amines that readily form
carcinogenic nitrosamines.
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS CAN BE SUBSTITUTED
13
Facts on chlorinated paraffins
Chlorinated paraffins are a group of chemicals used in coolants and lubricants, in paint, plastics
and flame-retardants. Chlorinated paraffins are aliphatic hydrocarbons with chlorine bound to
part of the carbon atoms. They are divided into short-chained (having 10-13 carbon atoms),
medium-chained (having 14-17 carbon atoms) and long-chained (having 18-30 carbon atoms). A
distinction is made between.
Below is shown an example of a short-chained chloroparaffin (12 carbon atoms) containing more
than 50% chlorine:
Cl H H H Cl H H H Cl H H H
H–C–C–C–C–C–C–C–C–C–C–C–C–H
H Cl Cl H H H Cl Cl H H H Cl
Chlorinated paraffins found in coolant are medium- and long chained. They are added because of
their lubricating properties at high pressures and temperatures.
When coolants containing chlorinated paraffins are used, the substances will be spread widely in
the external environment including in wastewater and in contaminated soils. It is estimated that
around 25% of the total amount of coolants used will remain on the metal chips used to produce
new steel, and the chlorinated paraffins will consequently be burned. The waste is treated at
Kommunekemi (a plant for incineration of hazardous waste). When chlorinated paraffins are burned, dioxins and dibenzofurans are released. Dioxins and dibenzofurans are chlorinated aromatic
compounds, which may be acute toxic; have carcinogen effects and may cause other adverse
health effects. Besides, dioxins and dibenzofurans can accumulate in breast milk. At the production stage, workers are exposed to the chlorinated paraffins through skin contact or inhalation of
dust or mist. At the stage of waste removal, the substance may be absorbed through skin, which
may cause skin irritations or eczema.
Chlorinated paraffins are found on the Danish EPA’s list of undesirable substances. Short-chained
chlorinated paraffins have been risk assessed by the EU, and they are on the list of prioritized substances in the field of aquatic environment, including the water framework directive. Furthermore,
they are on the REACH candidate list. Restrictions are imposed on the use of short-chained chlorinated paraffins. They must not, for instance, be used in coolant. Furthermore, they are classified as
PBT (persistent bio-accumulating toxic) substances, and short-chained chlorinated paraffins are
classified as carcinogenic and dangerous to the environment, and are nominated for inclusion in
the Stockholm Convention. They are also on the SIN list. The EU is currently risk assessing the
medium-chained chlorinated paraffins, and long-chained chlorinated paraffins are currently
undergoing a voluntary risk assessment in the EU.
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THE ECOLOGICAL COUNCIL
In addition, the company draws on its own
experience with some of the groups of chemicals it has worked with such as cooling lubricant; in this connection formaline releasers
and kathon have been included in the negative list.
Presently, Danfoss is working on removing
boron from their products due to a new classification requirement for products containing
more than 5.5% of certain boron-containing
compounds. Danfoss has in this case chosen
to state that the company does not wish to
manufacture products with boric acid.
In general, Danfoss is substituting in an effort
to improve environmental issues - both
regarding occupational health and the external
environment.
DANISCO
Interview with Mr Bjarne Nielsen
new raw materials, and some interesting
characteristics in the castor oil appeared.
American Dupont acquired Danisco in 2011.
The former Danisco’s division for emulsifiers
developed a substitute for phthalates based
on American castor oil, called SOFT N SAFE™. It
was developed as at one point Danisco’s
research centre was running some tests with
One of the major challenges for Danisco has
been the approval of SOFT N SAFE™. It was a
new material, and the effect on human health
and the environment had to be surveyed in a
number of toxicological and ecotoxicological
studies. All studies show that SOFT N SAFE™
CASTOR OIL SEEDS
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS CAN BE SUBSTITUTED
15
Facts on phthalates
The name phthalates refers to a group of different esters of phthalic acid (see formula below). They
are mainly used to soften PVC. Some phthalates are used to make nail varnish flexible or to make
perfumes linger longer. Others are used in adhesive plaster, sealings and in artificial colourings – to
make them stronger. Phthalates are also found in products such as raincoats, rubber tubes, medical
devices (e.g. tubing and bags), textile printings, children’s toys, cables and glue. The phthalates are
released from the products during the production process and during the use and discharge of the
products. When added to PVC, the phthalate-molecules bind to vinyl molecules after which the
molecules begin to slide against one another but without losing strength. After a period of time has
elapsed, there will be a certain migration of phthalates from the PVC. The content in soft PVC can be
up to 60%. Phthalates are the most commonly used plasticizers in the world. There are many different kinds of phthalates and they vary in size and structure. The most commonly used are:
COOH
Phthalic acid
COOH
DEHP (Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate)
– used to soften different kinds of
flexible PVC products including
medical devices, shower curtains,
cables and children’s toys.
CH3
O
CH2
C – O – CH2 – CH – CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH3
C – O – CH2 – CH – CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH3
O
CH2
CH3
O
DINP (Diisononyl phthalate)
– used in garden hoses, shower
curtains, children’s toys etc.
C – O – CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH – CH3
C – O – CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH – CH3
O
DIDP (Diisodecyl phthalate)
– used in garden hoses, shower
curtains, PVC flooring, electrical
cables etc.
O
THE ECOLOGICAL COUNCIL
CH3
CH3
C – O – CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH – CH3
C – O – CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH – CH3
O
16
CH3
CH3
O
C – O – CH2
BBP (Butylbenzylphthalate) – used in PVC
flooring, paint, lids etc.
C – O – CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH3
O
DBP (Dibutylphthalate) – used primarily in
cellulose polymers, plaster, ink and seals.
Also used in small amounts in cosmetics
and nail polish.
O
C – O – CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH3
C – O – CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH3
O
DEPH is the most commonly used phthalate. As phthalates are widely used and used in large
quantities, they have been thoroughly tested for environmental and health effects.
DEHP has been classified by the EU as harmful to embryos (teratogenic) and as a cause of infertility (group 2). This means that animal testings have indicated that DEHP may cause harm to an
unborn child and that it may be the cause of human infertility. This classification is founded on
test results showing damages in embryos in mice and rats and damages to testicles in rats. This
documentation represents sufficient evidence to conclude that humans may risk infertility and
damages to embryos if exposed to DEHP.
There has been an increase in the use of DINP since the classification of DEHP. Both DINP and
DIDP show signs of having harmful effects on embryos and fertility, but only when very high concentrations are used. Therefore, classification is not relevant in relation to these effects. But also
DINP is found on the EU priority list of potential endocrine disruptors. Tests on rats have shown
that DINP may have anti-androgenic effects – that is, inhibiting the effects of male sex hormones.
Both DBP and BBP have damaging effects on embryos and on sexual reproduction when tested
on animals. DBP has been classified and is found on the EU list of harmonized classification. A
risk assessment of BBP suggests that the substance be classified as teratogenic in category 2 and
as a cause of infertility in category 3.
Phthalates are degradable if oxygen is present, but in the environment, the degradation is a very
slow process – especially for DEHP, DIDP and DINP, whereas DBP is easier degradable. Phthalates
can be found frequently and in all compartments of the environment, and they bind to sediments
or soil. When phthalates are absorbed in living organisms, they are transformed into other metabolites and finally discharged. Especially, some of the metabolites are reported to be hormone
disturbing. As a result of the abundant uses of the phthalates and their wide distribution, humans
living in the industrial societies will regularly carry noticeable concentrations of phthalate-metabolites in their blood veins.
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS CAN BE SUBSTITUTED
17
All the phthalates mentioned here (except DIDP) are on the SIN list.
Phthalates are found on the Danish EPA’s list of undesirable substances. In Denmark it is illegal to
use phthalates in toys produced for children below the age of 3. There is a similar EU law against
the use of phthalates in toys, although in this case the law merely covers toys intended to be put
in the mouth. In October 2011, Denmark introduced a proposal to ban DEHP, DBP, BBP and DIBP
in articles intended for indoor use and products that may come into direct contact with the skin or
mucous membranes. This proposal is so far the strictest approach for an EU-wide regulation regarding the restriction of phthalates in everyday products. The proposal is based on the indication
that exposure to the four phthalates may cause combination effects (cocktail effects)*
In 2005, the EU put a ban on the use of three phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP) in all toys and other
products aimed at children, and in addition introduced a full ban on the use of the three other
phthalates (DINP, DIDP, DNOP) in toys made for children under the age of 3. The phthalates DEHP,
DBP, BBP and DIBP are on the authorisation list under REACH, and must be phased out of products
by 21st of February, 2015 (with some exceptions)
* Combination effects might change the risk of adverse effects. This means that even though exposure to a particular dose of
a single chemical does not in itself constitute a risk of effects, there could be a risk if there is simultaneous exposure to other
substances at the same time.
has no effect on human health and the environment. A particularly positive aspect is that
there are no endocrine disrupting effects,
which is exactly the largest problem associated with some of the phthalates that SOFT N
SAFE™ can substitute. The product has been
approved, among other uses, for use in plas-
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THE ECOLOGICAL COUNCIL
tics without any restrictions or any specific
migration limit (how much may be released)
according to Directive 2005/79/EC.
Danisco states that the positive profile has
strengthened their position on the market due
to the fact that SOFT N SAFE™ is based on nat-
EMPLOYEES FROM DANISCO
SHANGHAI
urally occurring raw materials. The company’s
original SOFT N SAFE™ target groups within
foodstuff contact, toys, and medical devices
have developed in new directions, and they
now see fields of application, where SOFT N
SAFE™ can be chosen as a supplement to
existing products and be launched in a new
brand. Focus is here on product safety and the
content of bio-based renewable materials.
Specifically, in vinyl flooring SOFT N SAFE™
meets much interest, since it is less volatile
than phthalates and thereby contributes to a
better indoor climate.
The use of SOFT N SAFE™ has expanded to
also cover the USA, where the material has
three approved fields of application under the
FDA (Food and Drug Administration). An FDA
approval is the key to increased sales in the
USA in the approved applications, but it also
contributes to showing the market that there
are alternatives to phthalates with a positive
assessment from the FDA.
The use of SOFT N SAFE™ has increased steadily, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
However, SOFT N SAFE™ is still around 2-2.5
times more expensive than most phthalates.
Danisco’s objective is not to match phthalates,
but to bring down costs to a level reducing the
barrier for the change. Concretely, Danisco in
cooperation with the Technical University of
Denmark and the University of Aarhus runs a
project under the Danish National Advanced
Technology Foundation focusing on how to
manufacture SOFT N SAFE™ or similar substances in a cheaper way. Phthalates are still
extensively used, also in medical devices such
as blood bags and tubes - uses where the risk
of human exposure to endocrine disrupting
properties is particularly high.
Danisco sees many positive prospects, since
the demand for secure bio-based alternatives
to the fossil based and endocrine disrupting
plasticisers is on a steep increase.
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS CAN BE SUBSTITUTED
19
NAKSKOV SUGAR MILL
Interview with Mr Ture Kliving, SHEQ (safety,
health, environment and quality) coordinator
In the past, Nakskov Sugar Mill used nitric acid
to clean production equipment, but substitut-
ed it with citric acid and acetic acid. This substitution still works fine.
Nakskov Sugar Mill has a general goal to
reduce the number of hazard-labelled chemicals in their production - in view of both simplicity and a better occupational health.
Facts on nitric acid
Formula: HNO3
Nitric acid is a strong acid that reacts with most metals. Therefore it is often used in metallurgic
processes and in the refining of metals etc. In addition, it is a strong oxidizer and those two features combined makes it suitable for cleaning equipment and containers in the food industry. Iron
as well as aluminium both stand up to nitric acid because a protective layer of oxides is formed
on the surface of the metal, and this protects it from being attacked by the acid.
100% nitric acid, also called fuming nitric acid, releases the toxic gas, NO2, and it reacts strongly
with almost any organic material. Sometimes this process even starts a fire.
Combustion of coal and oil releases a mixture of nitrogen oxides, which then reacts with water to
form nitric acid. Nitric acid is thus one of the chemical compounds found in acid rain, and it is
partly responsible for the acidification of soil and water.
Nitric acid is on the EU list of harmonized classification, classified as corrosive.
20
THE ECOLOGICAL COUNCIL
NKT CABLES
Interview with Mr Jens Thiesen; Environmental
Director
nkt cables has developed cables substituting
polyvinylchloride (PVC) that was stabilised
with lead and softened with phthalates. Their
NOPOVIC® cable type is based on a mixture of
halogen-free polymers such as polyethylene
(PE), polypropylene (PP) and ethylene vinyl
acetate (EVA) copolymers containing nonflammable minerals such as magnesium and
aluminium hydrates.
The cables are not eco-labelled, since no criteria have been set up for eco-labels for electric
cables as stand-alone products in the Nordic
eco-label the Swan and the EU label the
Flower. nkt’s PVC and phthalate free products,
however, earn points under the Swan label criteria for small houses and are thereby a good
choice in sustainable construction aiming for
the Swan label.
Consumption of the NOPOVIC® plastic has
increased from 1997 to 2012 from next to
nothing to around 10,000 tonnes. Now after
ten years, the PVC and phthalate free installation cables constitute 80% of their sale in
Denmark while only some 10% is exported.
nkt cables states that originally customers were
quite reluctant, but now it is a huge success in
the field of installations. However, PVC is still
preferred in the professional field (the OEM
field) where cables are used as components in
other products. In the latest revision of the EU
RoHS directive on electronic and electrical
equipment the EU Commission proposed limits
on the use of PVC, but during the reading in
Parliament the PVC restrictions were removed
and were not included in the final version.
Today, everybody at nkt cables agrees that the
substitution was a good idea. It has contributed to maintaining the view among customers that nkt cables is a serious company
showing respect for the environment. The substitution has contributed to maintaining nkt as
the market leader in Denmark. As a result of
the success and the increasing consumption,
the production of compounds (production of
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS CAN BE SUBSTITUTED
21
Facts on plastic
Plastics are polymers. All plastic types are primarily made of carbon and hydrogen - and sometimes chlorine. Plastics are defined as organic materials made of macromolecules – polymer chains
of monomers.
(CH2-CH)n
|
X
The X in the formula indicates: Hydrogen (H), Chlorine (Cl) or Methyl (CH3) according to the type of
plastics, namely Polyethylene (PE), Polyvinylchloride (PVC) or Polypropylene (PP), respectively.
These are produced either by processing natural products or they are synthesised from primary
substances of oil, natural gasses or coal.
There are three types of plastics:
1) Thermoplasts. This name refers to the fact that the materials become plastic when heated and
hard again when cooled down. This quality is used in the manufacturing of plastic products, as
the material is heated, moulded and subsequently cooled down. Accordingly, thermoplast
waste and old products can be melted and re-used. Themoplasts make up 85% of the total
plastics consumption. Examples of thermoplasts are: PE (polyethene), PP (polypropylene), PVC
(polyvinylchloride), PS (polystyrene) and EVA (ethylvinylacetate).
2) Duroplasts. Unlike thermoplasts, duroplasts cannot be melted once it has been moulded and
hardened. And therefore it cannot be re-used. Instead, duroplasts will, when heated at high
temperatures, be charred.
3) Elasts are characterised by having macromolecules bound in such a way that, when affected
by a light force, the material is capable of being deformed several hundred percent and resume to its original form afterwards. This material is, for example, used in sponges.
Plastic raw materials, which are delivered by the supplier to the plastics processing plant, usually
contain several different substances – additives - whose purposes are to make the moulding process easier and to improve the final product. The additives assist in the processing of the plastic
end product and make it possible to produce tailor-made plastic products. Some of the most
important additives are:
Surface treatments give the material extra strength.
Plasticizers make the materials flexible.
Colour pigments give it colour.
Stabilizers protect against ultra-violet radiation and thermic degradation.
Antistatics prevent static electricity.
Fire-retardants retard fire.
And fillers for plastics make the material stretch longer – these could be chalk or dolomite.
22
THE ECOLOGICAL COUNCIL
PVC is a common form of thermoplast. It consists of carbon, hydrogen and chlorine. It is a hard form
of plastic and therefore a softener needs to be added before it can be moulded. In this way, the
created plastic material is given strength and flexibility, and at the same time it becomes long-lived
and cheaper. Worldwide, PVC makes up 20% of the total plastic consumption. In Denmark, it
makes up 15% of the total consumption. There are no Danish manufacturers of raw PVC.
PVC causes several different environmental problems. When burned, hydrochloric acid is released; and subsequently this needs to be neutralised using a considerable amount of alkaline material, e.g. chalk. Heavy metals contained in the PVC (e.g. lead and cadmium – although these are
banned in an increasing number of applications) will, in the course of the incineration process, be
concentrated in the solid residues. PVC contains up to approximately 50% chlorine and several
additives (as mentioned above) to which different environmental issues are related. The waste
product weighs more or less the same as the original PVC. And it contains a large amount of chalk,
which makes it unstable, and therefore it must be deposited in a special manner. Moreover, it
contains heavy metals and organic toxins – such as dioxin. PVC-containing waste, which is incinerated, may contribute to the creation of dioxin. However, to which extent the creation of dioxin is
affected by the content of chlorine in the PVC remains unclear, considering that chlorine will
always be present in mixed waste material – in wasted food, wood etc.
Alternatives to PVC are PE, PP and EVA etc. PE makes up around 45% of the total plastics consumption in Denmark, whereas PP makes up around 15%. If we compare the different plastic materials
in terms of energy use during the manufacturing processes and pollution during the production
and waste removal processes, the result will be that PE and PP are to be preferred. None of them
have seriously damaging effects on the environment beyond the oil usage and the release of CO2,
which is part and parcel of all plastic products. This means that only water and CO2 are released
during a total combustion. This presupposes that the products in question are without additives.
MS-polymers (Modified Silane Polymer) stand out from the plastic types mentioned above by
having silicon (Si) as one of their main elements. They are mainly used in fillers and they are characterised by being free from isocyanate and silicone (polymers based on chloro-silane), of which
especially isocyanate (monomers contained in polyurethane) is severely hazardous to human
health. MS-polymers have features that combine those of silicone and polyurethane.
polymer and added substances) was outsourced a few years ago.
nkt still works with substitution and phasing
out. As a new objective, the production is to
be entirely talc-free. When cables are fitted in
plugs and switches, the cable ends must be
stripped to access the copper conductor. To
facilitate the work of the electrician a small
amount of talc is traditionally introduced
between the insulated conductors (the lodes),
fill cap, and outer cap. This talc is a dust nuisance in both production and fitting. nkt
cables has succeeded in developing plastic
mixtures without talc for a number of installation cables that electricians find easy to strip.
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS CAN BE SUBSTITUTED
23
FUJITSU
Interview with Mr René von Staffeldt Beck,
Product Manager - Work Place Systems
Fujitsu Siemens has developed the Green
Scenic PC containing a number of substitutions. For instance, lead was substituted with
soldering pewter and PVC, cadmium, mercury,
and partially brominated flame retardants
were removed.
Fujitsu no longer produces the Scenic PCs, but
most of their portables (LIFEBOOK), stationary
computers (ESPRIMO), and workstations (CELSIUS) come in ProGreen versions. This entails
zero watt power supply that exploits more
than 93 % of the power. Fujitsu now also has
screens that turn off completely when not in
use instead of turning to power-consuming
standby.
The last few years have been tough for Fujitsu
in Denmark, but demand is starting to
increase. However, the company calls on the
public authorities to go for environmentally
friendly products in their procurement.
No new competitors have appeared for the
green PCs of Fujitsu. Customers are slowly
starting to assess whether they can get a
financial benefit from choosing green equipment, either directly through less power consumption or by attaining a green image.
24
THE ECOLOGICAL COUNCIL
Facts on heavy metals
Heavy metals are found in nature. They are generally defined as metals with a specific density higher than 5g/cm3, but a most often seen characteristic is that they are metals which are hazardous
even in small doses. The problem with heavy metals is that most are toxic and non-biodegradable,
and they may accumulate in the food chain in the fatty tissue or in organs of humans and animals.
Heavy metals may hamper recycling of waste products such as slag, fly ash, residues from gas cleaning, sludge and compost. Three of the most important toxic heavy metals are described below.
Other hazardous metals are arsenic, nickel and chromium.
Lead (Pb)
Of all the heavy metals lead is the one most commonly found in nature. Lead binds easily to soil
and therefore it is possible to find soils which still show traces of past lead contamination. In larger
cities, we see an extensive, diffuse lead pollution. Especially since up until the mid-1980s petrol
contained organic lead compounds. Lead may be found in many different products: electronics,
electric components, roof tiles etc.
Lead is absorbed into the human body if we are exposed to it via the air, dust or our food. Lead is a
toxic substance affecting the nervous system. High concentrations of lead cause severe deterioration of learning abilities and changes in the reproductive system. It has recently been discovered
that even very small concentrations of lead may cause child learning disabilities. Lead will have
both acute and chronic toxic effects on vegetation, animals and micro-organisms.
Lead is on the Danish EPA’s list of undesirable substances. Lead and lead compounds are classified
as CMR substances belonging to the categories 1 and 2. In Denmark it is illegal to use lead in consumer products, and from September 2004 it became illegal as a constituent in cosmetics in the
EU. Lead is regulated by executive order No 1012 of November 13, 2003 on the ban on sales and
import of lead-containing products. There are certain exceptions like lead accumulators. Lead may
still be a problem in waste because it may contain old traces of the substance. Lead is on the EU
list of harmonized classification, as it is very toxic to aquatic organisms (R50), may cause long-term
adverse effects in the aquatic environment (R53), may cause harm to the unborn child (R61) and
presents a possible risk of impaired fertility (R62). Restrictions regarding leadcarbonates and leadsulfates are described in Annex XVII No.16 and No. 17 of REACH.
Cadmium (Cd)
Cadmium is found in nature in relatively small quantities. The metal can be found in products such
as electric components, plastics, batteries, accumulators, colour pigments etc.
Cadmium and cadmium-containing chemicals may have acute toxic effects on both humans and
animals. Moreover, there are good reasons to fear cadmium since it may accumulate in the human
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS CAN BE SUBSTITUTED
25
body – especially in the kidneys. Other long-term effects are changes in the reproductive system,
reduced growth, and kidney and liver diseases. Furthermore, cadmium prevents us from absorbing
important and necessary substances.
Most cadmium compounds are found on the EU list of harmonized classification. It is illegal to use
cadmium in Denmark with a few exceptions (batteries included). Most cadmium containing batteries have now been substituted with e.g. nickel-metal hydride. Cadmium and cadmium dioxide are
presently undergoing risk assessments within the EU. From December 2011 cadmium was regulated through REACH. For example, the allowed amount of cadmium in certain product types is only
0.01 %. The Regulation is described in Annex XVII, no.23 of REACH.
Mercury (Hg)
Mercury is found in products such as batteries, dental fillings, fluorescent tubes, electrical switches
and computers. Mercury is easily absorbed into the body and it affects the brain and cause visual
disorders, motor and balance disabilities. Furthermore, mercury may affect embryos and in severe
cases it may lead to brain damage in the newborn child. Animals at the top end of the food chain
will contain most mercury due to the fact that the amount of the substance is accumulated up the
food chain. Therefore it is recommended that pregnant women refrain from eating certain kinds of
fish (large predatory fish) or fish caught in certain, relatively contaminated waterways – e.g. the
Baltic Sea and some freshwater systems in Scandinavia.
Mercury and mercury compounds are on the EU list of harmonized classification. Mercury is covered by Annex XVII, No. 18a of REACH and the Danish directive No. 627 of 1st July 2003 prohibiting
the import, sale and export of mercury and mercury containing products.
Facts on brominated flame-retardants
Brominated flame-retardants belong to a group of substances used to hinder or delay fire in electronic equipment, building materials, furniture etc. They are organic compounds containing bromine and they are often formed by two linked phenyl rings with variable numbers of bromine atoms
attached. In electronic equipment the brominated flame-retardants are found in the compartment,
printing plates and switches.
There are around 40 different brominated flame-retardants. The most common groups are as follows:
Br
HO
26
Br
C
Br
•
CH3
CH3
Br Br
Br
Br
Br
OH
Br
TBBPA (Tetrabromobisphenol A)
THE ECOLOGICAL COUNCIL
Br
Br
•
Br Br
Br
PBB (Polybrominated biphenyls)
Br
Br
Br
Br
Br
Br
Br
Br
O
Br Br
Br
•
Br
Br
Br
Br
PBDE (Polybrominated diphenylethers)
•
Br
HBCD (hexabromine cyclododecan)
The most problematic groups are PBB and PBDE, and the most commonly used are HBCD and
TBBPA.
Brominated flame-retardants may either become a part of the material they are protecting from
fire through chemical reactions, or the substances are mixed with the material as an independent
component – an additive. They are most easily released from the material when they are used as
additives and not chemically bound.
When the products are produced, used or disposed of, the hazardous substances may be released
and subsequently inhaled by humans or enter into the environment via rain or dust. Brominated
flame-retardants are – in various degrees – slowly degradable and will never disappear completely after they have entered into the human body or the environment.
Based on animal testing results, researchers suspect that the substances may affect embryo formation and the reproduction system, that they may cause cancer and that they affect the function
of the hormone thyroxine. Thyroxine helps regulate growth and development of embryos and of
the newborn. Its structure is quite similar to that of PBDE.
Several American, Swedish and Japanese studies have detected brominated flame-retardants in breast milk. Especially high concentrations were found in breast milk from American women. Brominated
flame-retardants were also found in animals – e.g. in whales. In their mobility and distribution patterns in theenvironment brominated flame-retardants are comparable to the insecticide DDT and to
the synthetic oil and plasticiser PCB. Like DDT and PCB, they consist of linked phenyl rings to which
halogen atoms are attached – only bromine instead of chlorine atoms. Both DDT and PCB have harmful effects on humans and on the environment, they both degrade very slowly and they are stored in
fatty tissue and accumulate in animals at the top end of the food chain (humans included) - just like
brominated flame-retardants. Other less used flame-retardants are: vinyl bromide that may cause
cancer, and 2,4,6 – tribromophenol that may affect the liver and cause damages to embryos.
Penta-BDE (penta-bromidediphenylether) is classified as irritant, harmful and as environmentally
hazardous. In 2006 the substance was – like octa-BDE (octa-bromidediphenylether) - banned in
electronic products in the EU. Furthermore PBB is included in the EU directive No 2002/95/EC
banning its use in electronic and electric products from July 1st, 2006. Deca-BDE was included in
the ban in 2008. The industry has voluntarily removed PBB from the market. Deca-BDE and TBBPA
are undergoing risk assessments within the EU. HBCD is on the EU candidate list.
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS CAN BE SUBSTITUTED
27
POUL E. MEIER
Interview with Mr Poul E. Meier and Mr Jesper
Quist, export manager of Perform
Poul E. Meier substituted lead in roof flashing,
thereby developing the product Perform.
Perform is a composite consisting of a robust
aluminium lattice cast into rubber/plastic of
the type MS polymer. Perform sells well and
around 70 % is exported today. Demand fluctuates heavily, however, in line with the price
of lead. Denmark has a very broad ban on lead
including a ban on import and sale of lead-
containing roof flashing. There are many competitors on the market with other flashing
solutions, including producers from Germany,
England, and the Netherlands. However, no
competitors sell products with the same properties as Perform.
Poul E. Meier is no longer actively involved in
Perform, and he has now started developing
products in the field of climate and energy.
PERFORM CAN BE CUT OUT
WITH TAILOR SCISSORS
28
THE ECOLOGICAL COUNCIL
DANA LIM
Interview with Mr Erik Andersen, Laboratory
Director
Dana Lim (‘Dana Glue’) has substituted a number of substances in their sealing compound,
including phthalates, oximes, and
polyurethane (PU).
Dana Lim still manufactures products containing PU, but have alternative products based on
MS polymers (functionalized polyether with
methoxysilane terminal groups) for all their
product groups. The company sees a decrease
in the sale of wood glue and sealing compound containing PU while the sale of PU
foam remains unchanged. The oxime substitution in sealing compounds has been successful, as the company has come below the limit
value set for the release from sealing compounds upon hardening. The company works
to phase out oximes completely, but still manufactures a few products where butanonoxime
is split off during hardening. However, quantities are very low, and the products are socalled “low-oxime”. The oxime substitution
succeeded thanks to a shift to completely different formulations using another type of
binder. Thereby, a completely different product
was developed solving the same task. The positive aspects of the new product are that it is
eco-friendlier and easier to paint over.
Phthalate sealing compounds are still manufactured, but the number is limited and only
di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) is used. This decision was made after the publication of a status
report from the EU risk assessment programme
for chemical substances that stated that DINP
is not top priority and does not require labelling. Dana Lim wishes to avoid going through
one more temporary solution and thereby puts
off the substitution of DINP in the last products. All phthalates have been removed from
glue products, but they still exist in supplementary products, and primarily in products
for industrial purposes.
Dana Lim still substitutes, but in recent years
substitution activities have been on stand-by.
This is due to REACH, among other reasons,
since the company cannot see the effect of
the regulation at present. So they hold back
due to the fact that a substitution process may
be prolonged and expensive, and Dana Lim
wishes to avoid a situation where they substitute with a substance that may in the near
future be subject to restrictions or authorisation. Erik Andersen states that it is difficult to
carry out substitution without basing decisions
on legislation.
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS CAN BE SUBSTITUTED
29
Facts on polyurethane
Polyurethanes are polymers formed by diisocyanates and polyalcohols – that is alcohols containing more than one OH-group. Both components vary to the extreme and many different compounds with many different characteristics.
Polyurethanes are used in foam, lacquers, joint fillers and insulating materials.
An example of a simple diisocyanate:
OCN – (CH2)6 – NCO
An example of a simple polyalcohol:
HO – (CH2)4 – OH
Polyurethane with ”n” isocyanate elements, formed by the compounds mentioned above, has the
following formula:
H – (O – (CH2)4 - O – CO – NH – (CH2)6 – NH – CO - )n – O – (CH2)4 - OH
The reactive isocyanates give rise to health problems. Therefore, the production of polyurethane causes problems in the working environment. If inhaled, the substance may create coughing, chest paints
and other respiratory problems. It may cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. If absorbed
through skin, the substance may cause problems such as dryness, rash and blisters. Allergies such as
respiratory allergies and skin allergies may occur if you are exposed to diisocyanates. Allergies such
as these are chronic.
Polyurethane is particularly dangerous during the manufacturing process. But isocyanate is released
also when the product is heated (e.g. during welding).
Special precautions must be taken when working with polyurethane.
Facts on oxime
The name oxime refers to a group of chemical compounds formed
by aldehydes and ketones in reaction with hydroxylamines.
Butanonoxime is one example:
CH3
|
C = N – OH
|
CH2 – CH3
Oximes are contained in different types of joint fillers and it may be released during the hardening process. Oximes may cause allergic reactions and is an eye irritant. Moreover it may cause
cancer.
30
THE ECOLOGICAL COUNCIL
Furthermore, their stand-by is caused by the
financial crisis. Many raw material suppliers have
rationalized or merged. Also, many raw materials
are no longer available. And the company has
feared that many substances will disappear due
to REACH. Some of Dana Lim’s products have
been discontinued, which Erik Andersen finds
positive. The least eco-friendly products disappear first due to possible future restrictions.
Dana Lim has also felt the financial crisis among
their customers who have now more focus on
competitiveness and survival than in 2006.
When economy was booming customers were
more generous with eco-friendly solutions.
Dana Lim now has increasing focus on indoor
climate and food packaging where products
are subject to substitution. As a supplier to
the packaging industry the company is subject
to the Danish ‘smiley scheme’ (four different
smileys signal how well the enterprise complies with food regulations), and this has been
positive since an expert from the scheme has
given good advice and made a systematic
review of relevant raw materials.
The company has the Finnish indoor climate
label M1 on their filler - this is a statutory
requirement for exports to Finland. M1 is short
for the Finnish voluntary classification of emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
from construction materials. To have the label,
products were tested and found to comply
with the emission requirements after substitution of a preservative that caused too high
VOC figures.
Dana Lim furthermore has just been upgraded
under the German EMICODE® label. This is a
quality assurance scheme giving labels to construction materials that are found to be modern, free of solvents, and with low VOC emissions. The scheme uses a range where EC1PLUS
has the lowest permitted emission. EC1
requires, among others, that after three days
the product has an emission of all its VOCs not
exceeding 1000μg/m3. For EC1PLUS total emissions after three days must not exceed 750
μg/m3. A control test showed that Dana Lim
products labelled with EC1 were actually better than that, so it was possible to upgrade to
the EC1PLUS label.
All in all, Dana Lim has high focus on substitution and consultants have been engaged to
convince customers to purchase the ecofriendlier products that have been subject to
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS CAN BE SUBSTITUTED
31
substitution.
KYMI RENS
Interview with Mr Michael Porsmose, Director
Kymi Rens (‘Kymi Dry Cleaning’) substituted
perchloroethylene as the cleaning agent with
AquaClean, CO2 cleaning and GreenEarth,
which is a silicone-based cleaning method.
Perchloroethylene is still used as the primary
cleaning agent by most of Denmark’s dry
cleaners despite the fact that it is suspected of
several health and environmental effects, and
is on several warning lists.
Since our last publication Kymi Rens has substituted the silicone system GreenEarth with
SYSTEMK4 from German supplier Kreussler.
The company states that the silicone system
was actually fine, but discussions were starting
about endocrine disrupting effects associated
with silicone, so they decided to switch to the
new system. K4 uses a halogen-free solvent
(SOLVONK4), which is unproblematic for the
environment. It is marked as highly inflammable, but not harmful to human health or the
environment according to the Globally
Harmonized System (GHS) of classification and
labelling of chemicals.
SYSTEMK4 is a very efficient system, and the
process consumes considerably less energy.
The company has acquired a machine dedicated to SOLVONK4, and in October 2011 the
new method was launched. In addition, the
silicone machine was converted into a K4
machine with very fine results.
When cleaning, the company divides items
into what needs to be wet cleaned (using
water) and what needs CO2 cleaning. These
two methods cover most needs. What cannot
be treated here is put in K4, which is thus only
Examples of symbols in GHS2
Inflammable: This pictogram covers inflammable substances and their
vapours, gases, aerosols, and solid matter. Examples of products carrying this
label are spirits, nail polish remover, and motor fuel.
Chronic health hazard: This pictogram covers chemicals that cause chronic
damage such as cancer, are harmful to the genetic material and to reproduction. It also covers chemicals that are allergenic by inhalation, or cause organ
damage or lung damage by inhalation. Examples of products carrying this
label are petrol, turpentine, and lamp oil.
Acute toxic: This pictogram covers chemicals that are acute toxic by
ingestion, skin contact, and/or inhalation. Chemicals carrying this pictogram
may be potentially lethal. Examples of products carrying this label are some
pesticides and methanol (wood alcohol).
2 Danish Environmental Protection Agency pamphlet on new hazard pictograms.
32
THE ECOLOGICAL COUNCIL
operated a few times a week, causing low
operating costs. Director Michael Porsmose
has not heard of the use of K4 with other dry
cleaners, and more than 50 % of Danish dry
cleaners still use perchloroethylene.
In the long-term perspective Kymi Rens is opting
for the CO2 method. The company has invested
in one more CO2 machine,
and it is the primary cleaning method, since it has the
lowest energy consumption
and is most environmentally
friendly. However, still very
few customers demand
environmentally friendly cleaning.
Kymi Rens has substituted since they wish to
survive in the sector in the longer term, and
environmental considerations are an important
part of that objective. They wish to be at the cutting edge of developments in the chemicals
field.
Facts on chlorocarbon and perchlorine (perchloroethylene)
Chlorocarbons are hydrocarbons with a maximum of one chlorine-atom attached to each carbon
atom, whereas all hydrocarbons are replaced by chlorine in perchlorine compounds. ‘Perchlorine’
is commenly used as the name for perchloroethylene (tetrachloroethylene). Both chlorocarbons
and perchlorines are mainly used in liquid forms and at room temperature.
CH3CH2CH2Cl
1-chloropropane (a chlorocarbon)
Cl2C = CCl2
Tetrachloroethylene ( perchloroethylene)
Both chlorocarbon and perchlorine are – or has previously been - used in the dry cleaning industry.
Chlorocarbons are dangerous when inhaled or swallowed. They may irritate skin, eyes and the
respiratory system. In 1995 a law was introduced against the use of chlorocarbons in the dry
cleaning industry.
Perchlorine is still commonly used in dry cleaning. It is suspected to cause cancer (carcinogenic class
3) and it is damaging to water environments (R-51/53). It is listed on the Danish EPAs list of effect,
the EU priority list of potential endocrine disruptors and on the SIN list. Denmark allows a maximum
of 0.1 mg/m3 perchlorine in the air, which is considerably higher than the 0.006 mg/m3 recommended by the health authorities. Dry cleaners are typically found city areas and they are often located
beneath flats. And perchlorine contained vapour may penetrate into the flats. For these reasons
threshold limit values have been lowered and, consequently, many dry cleaners have closed down.
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS CAN BE SUBSTITUTED
33
LOGSTOR
Interview with Ms Tina Thomsen, Chemical
Support Manager
Logstor produces pipes. They learned that
their silica gel desiccant called Blågel (bluegel)
was carcinogenic due to the addition of cobalt
chloride. Blågel is only toxic when dried in the
desiccator cabinet, but it is included in the
Danish Environmental Protection Agency’s list
of undesirable substances. Logstor substituted
into another type of desiccant not containing
the harmful substance. The substitution of
desiccant is going very well and the company
has found out that the new type of desiccant
can absorb more moisture. This means that the
drying process is only 50% of what it used to
be.
Logstor has substituted further in 2008 by
phasing out dimethylformamide (DMF). This
has been achieved by replacing some important foam machines from low pressure to high
34
THE ECOLOGICAL COUNCIL
pressure machines. In a high pressure foam
machine it is sufficient to clean the mixing
head with a piston pushing reacted foam out
of the mixing head - merely a mechanical
cleaning. The low pressure foam machines
were equipped with a rotating mixer in the
mixing head, and after around four hours of
continuous production this mixer had to be
changed and cleaned in the solvent DMF. In
other places using high pressure foam
machines sprayer tubes fitted on the mixing
head used to be cleaned in DMF. Now, most
often a drill is used to drill out the foam, and
in rare cases the sprayer tubes are introduced
in a bath of Dowanol, which is a hydrophilic
glycolether considered significantly less harmful than DMF.
Facts on silica gel
Silica gel (or blue gel) is an adsorptive substance used to de-moisturize the atmosphere surrounding cameras and stereos etc. It is usually placed in small sachets in the packaging for these products. Silica gel is also used to control the moisture contents of grains and seeds during long-term
storage. When the silica gel is dry, the colour is blue, but after the gel has picked up moisture
from the air, it turns pink or becomes nearly colourless.
Silica gel is a porous, solid material and has the chemical formula of silicon dioxide (SiO2). It has
great water adsorptive power explaining its widespread use as a drying agent.
Silicon dioxide is colourless both before and after the absorption of moisture,
therefore cobalt chloride is added as a water indicator. Cobalt chloride (CoCl2) is
pink, but turns blue when it is lightly heated and thoroughly dried. As Silica gel
gradually absorbs water, pink cobalt chloride is reformed.
Silicon dioxide is probably harmless, but cobalt chloride may cause cancer.
Because cobalt chloride is not chemically bound to the silica gel, it is easily released and can then be inhaled.
Commercial Silica gel is categorized as very toxic and harmful when inhaled.
Faktaboks om dimethylformamid
Dimethylformamide (DMF) is a liquid which can dissolve
both organic and inorganic substances. DMF is a common
solvent for chemical reactions and is used as a solvent for
plastics and coatings.
O
C
H
N
CH3
CH3
DMF is on the EU list of harmonized classification and
labeled as R36 (irritating to eyes), R61 (may harm the unborn child) and R20/21 (harmful by
inhalation and in contact with skin). DMF is also suspected of being carcinogenic and may impair
fertility.
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS CAN BE SUBSTITUTED
35
FRIGOR
Interview with Mr Karsten Fiil, Service Manager
Frigor is a cold store brand. They substituted
freon 134A with pentane in the foaming
process,, and in most products the company
replaced freon 134A with isobutane as the
refrigerant. Freon 134A is a hydrofluorocarbon
(HFC) and a potent greenhouse gas. Freon
134A and isobutane are still used as refrigerants, since the technique of using CO2 as a
refrigerant is still too expensive for ordinary
cooling and freezing. The advantage of the
CO2 technique is that the lower limit for the
temperature in a cold store can be reduced
without significantly higher energy consumption. However, the technique requires special-
36
THE ECOLOGICAL COUNCIL
ly designed freezers that can resist the higher
system pressure caused by CO2 and the lower
temperature.
Frigor no longer has production in Denmark, as
in 2007 the company Vibocold acquired Frigor
and the right of the name, while ’Frigor
Produktion’ is owned by Turkish UGUR. The
cold store brands of Caravell and Derby are
today owned by Metalfrio, and all three factories have moved almost entirely to Turkey.
Facts on freon (CFC, HCFC and HFC)
Freon is a group of short-chained, halogenated hydrocarbons. They contain the elements carbon,
fluorine and/or chlorine. Some also contain bromine. Freon are usually gases.
The most common types of Freon can be divided into 3 different groups: CFC
(ChloroFluoroCarbons), HCFC (HydroChloroFluoroCarbons) and HFC (HydroFluoroCarbons)
CFCs are completely halogenated and therefore contain no hydrogen. They are used in can sprays,
refrigerators, as degreasers, in dry-cleaning etc. The CFCs are severely stable and are only very
slowly degraded in the atmosphere. CFCs contribute to the destruction of the ozone layer, as the
chlorine atoms react with the ozone molecules and transform them into oxygen. For this reason, it
is no longer legal to use CFCs in, for example, the production of new fridges.
One example of a CFC-gas is: CF2 C2 (Freon 12)
HCFC was introduced when the CFCs became illegal. Since they contain hydrogen, they stay for a
shorter period of time in the atmosphere. Still, it turned out they contributed to the destruction of
the ozone layer.
One example of a HCFC gas is: CHClF2 (Freon 22)
Originally, HFC was also developed as a substitute for CFC in the refrigerator industry. As HFC does
not contain chlorine, it has no effect on the ozone layer. However, HFC is, like other halogenated
hydrocarbons, a very strong greenhouse gas (a thousand times as strong as CO2), and it is toxic as
well. HFC is found on the list of undesirable substances from the Danish EPA. Hence, in spite of the
fact that HFC has no effect on the ozone layer, it is still not a suitable substitute for CFC.
One example of a HFC gas is: CHF2CF3 (Freon 134a)
The Montreal Protocol of Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was originally signed in 1987.
The treaty covers approximately 40 different HCFCs of which only a small number is in use. The
EU has set timeframes for phase-outs of CFCs and HCFSs (see regulation 2037/00). According to
this, CFC’s should be phased out by 1995 and HCFCs by 2010.
It is still legal to use HFCs in the EU. However, they are, together with other industrial greenhouse
gasses, covered by the Koyoto Protocol and must be reduced just like CO2, methane etc. Denmark
has introduced a national regulation covering the greenhouse gasses. In 2001 a tax on these gasses was introduced, and from 2006 a complete ban was implemented, cf. the European
Parliament and Council Regulation (EC) No. 842/2006 of 17th of May 2006 on certain fluorinated
greenhouse gases.
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS CAN BE SUBSTITUTED
37
ABENA PRODUCTION A/S
Interview with Ms Mette-Sophie Thomsen,
Quality Manager
In the past, Abena has substituted a part of the
superabsorbent in nappies. It used to be based
on acrylic acid, but the company developed a
superabsorbent based on wheat starch and
granules. Abena is now again using a superabsorbent based on acrylic acid. The company
states that the quality of the bio-friendly superabsorbent was not very good, so more raw
materials had to be used to obtain the same
quality. The company did not wish to do so,
since this is not a good environmental choice.
The company is still ISO 14001 certified.
They have not substituted in other fields, since
the Swan label criteria have been changed and
they can therefore opt for other solutions than
substitution. Their primary environmental
focus is on selecting the best raw materials.
They will not use the most environmentally
friendly raw materials, if it results in a product
of lower quality, which would mean that the
consumer uses more nappies, thus harming
the environment in this way. Abena also seeks
to reduce the consumption of raw materials by
developing their products to avoid excess raw
materials and by making materials as thin as
possible without compromising the quality.
They do not add unnecessary chemicals such
as dye and perfume, and they are constantly
seeking ways to optimize energy consumption
in the process.
Facts on acrylic acid (superabsorbent)
Acrylic acid is an unsaturated, aliphatic carboxylic acid with the following formula:
H2C = CHCOOH
Due to its highly reactive double bond, acrylic acid is easily polymerized or taking part in polymerisation processes as basis for production of super absorbing materials.
Polymerisation of acrylic acid:
- CH2 – CH – CH2 – CH – CH2
|
|
COOH
COOH
Acrylic acid is corrosive and dangerous by inhalation, oral intake and dermal contact, and it is very
toxic for aquatic organisms. Acrylic acid is listed as dangerous according to EU regulations.
Acrylic acid being the basic raw material in the production of superabsorbent, it is primarily this
process, which makes the hazards important and relevant in relation to workers as well as to the
surrounding environment in cases of loss and/or emissions. Superabsorbent as separate material
is a polymer in its own right, however not registered as toxic.
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THE ECOLOGICAL COUNCIL
NOVADAN
Interview with Ms Lis Fleng Rasmussen,
Development Manager
Novadan produces washing, cleaning, and disinfection agents for many industrial markets.
Substitution began when Novadan was invited
to participate in a substitution project. They
decided to substitute surface active agents
(tensides) contained in their products and to
develop less environmentally harmful washing
agents for industry. The motivation for participating in the project derived partly from a
requirement from the company’s own customers
for supplying more environmentally friendly
products, and the purpose of the project was
to reduce the environmental burden from
industrial laundries by substituting those
washing active substances that were toxic,
bioaccumulating, and non-degradable.
Novadan developed two alternative products
to each of the original washing agents by finding alternatives to the surface active substances with the worst ecotoxicological profile.
The most significant changes took place by
replacing anionic tensides with nonionic ones,
and they avoided substances marked with R50
(very toxic to aquatic organisms) and those
marked with R53 (may cause long term
adverse effects in the aquatic environment).
Environmental assessments were made of
their test products, and much attention was
given to reducing the score of toxicity and
degradability. Where data were not available
for a constituent, QSAR estimates were used3.
Novadan still produces these more environmentally friendly and Swan labelled products.
3 (Q)SARs are also referred to as computer models and they are used to predict the properties of chemical substances. Read
more about QSAR models on the website of the Danish Environmental Protection Agency www.mst.dk
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS CAN BE SUBSTITUTED
39
Facts on surfactants
Surfactants are surface-active agents, and they can be divided into 4 different groups according to
their charges in watery solutions. These 4 groups are: anionic (negative charge), non-ionic (neutral),
cationic (positive charge) and amphoteric surfactants (positive or negative charge according to pH
value). The different groups of surfactants have different properties considering aerobic and anaerobic degradability (oxygen containing or oxygen-free respectively) and toxicity. Often cationic surfactants are slowly degradable, while non-ionic surfactants are easy degradable under aerobic conditions. Moreover, the properties of the substances also differ within the same group, and therefore
it is not, as such, possible to generalise on their properties. Surfactants – or detergents – are always
partly hydrophilic (fat-loving and water repellent) and partly hydrofile (water-loving).
The most commonly used anionic surfactants in Denmark are linear alkylbenzene sulphonates,
also known as LAS. Less common are alkyl sulphates that are more toxic than LAS. Normally, both
LAS and alkyl sulphates are easily degradable under aerobic conditions, but they are not 100%
degradable, and therefore small amounts of anionic surfactants may be released from sewage treatment plants into the environment via cleansed waste water. LAS is used as surfactant in detergents and cleaning products. These substances are toxic to organisms living in water. Surfactants
in detergents are released when the washing machine has finished washing. Surfactants help to
remove fat and protein-containing stains from the laundry. Most surfactants will harm the environment. The ability of the surfactants to dissolve fat and proteins is the main reason for their
toxic effects on organisms living in water – including bacteria, algae, crustaceans and fish.
Furthermore, they react heavily with organic particles and therefore accumulate in wastewater
sludge and sediment. The degree of the damage done to the environment depends on how fast
they work and on whether the substance is degraded fully.
One example of a structure of anionic surfactants is as follows:
(CH2)11 – CH3
SO3-
Non-ionic surfactants consist mainly of the group of substances called alkylphenol ethoxylates
(APEO). They improve the mixability of different substances with water and improve dispersing
(fine distribution of pigments, for instance). The alkylphenol part of the APEO often consists of 8 16 carbon atoms and the degree of ethoxylation (EO) varies from 1 to 30, but normally stays within the spectrum 12 -13 EO. In paints, APEO works both as an independent raw material (e.g. as a
dispersing agent) and as part of other raw materials (e.g. in binders or in pigment dispersers).
APEO consists of a lipophilic alkylphenol part and a hydrophilic chain of ethoxylates. Partly due to
their low acute toxicity, alkylphenol ethoxylates – especially nonyl and octyl versions – have a
range of properties that makes them suitable as surfactants in a long list of products.
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THE ECOLOGICAL COUNCIL
An example of a structure for nonylphenol etoxylate:
O – CH2 – CH2 – O – CH2 – CH2 – OH
CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH3
APEO can be found in detergents, cleaning products, paints and lacquers, cosmetics and as auxiliary components in pesticides. When APEO is biodegraded, alkylphenols – especially nonylphenols – may be created. These are toxic to organisms living in water. The degradation products of
APEO are at least five times as toxic to aquatic organisms as APEO itself. Eventually, the degradation products may be completely degraded, but this only happens very slowly and only when placed in oxygen containing (aerobic) surroundings. They may have endocrine disrupting effects on
living organisms. Even though the use of APEO is declining, APEO and its degradation products
occur often and in somewhat high concentration in sludge from wastewater treatment plants,
while low concentrations of these substances may occur also in the cleansed wastewater. APEO
has been found in soil and aquatic environments in concentrations, which might lead to unwanted
effects such as absorption of these substances into eatable plants, as well as bio-accumulation
and toxic impact on living organisms.
Because of the toxicity of the degrading product, APEOs have been eliminated gradually in cleaning products. In 1987, the Association of Danish Cosmetics, Toiletries, Soap and Detergent
Industry (SPT) made a voluntary agreement with The Danish Environmental Protection Agency
(DEPA) to begin a phase-out of APEO. The agreement included only nonylphenol ethoxylates
(NPEO). According to information now received from the industry also octylphenol ethoxylates
have been eliminated. APEO can be found on DEPA’s list of undesirable substances and NPEO is
on the EU priority list of potential endocrine disruptors, cat.1. The use of nonylphenol and nonylphenol ethoxylates is in the EU framework regulated by REACH, Annex XVII No. 46 a and b. The
substances must not be used in cleaning products, cosmetics or personal care products at concentrations greater than or equal to 0.1%. Nonylphenol is classified as harmful when inhaled, as
corrosive and harmful to aquatic organisms, and the substance may have long-term hazardous
effects in the aquatic environment. Octylphenols and octylphenol ethoxylates are undergoing risk
assessments in the EU. A voluntary agreement states that APEO should not be used in new products, but the substances are not banned in ‘old’ products in the EU. In Denmark NPEO should not
be used at all according to the agreement. APEOs do not require labelling.
Cationic surfactants used today are often quaternary ester compounds. The toxicity of these
towards aquatic organisms is quite similar to that of other synthetic surfactants. They are
degradable under aerobic conditions.
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS CAN BE SUBSTITUTED
41
KOMPAN
Interview with Mr Jesper Egelykke, Chief Supply
Chain Officer
Kompan is a manufacturer of playground
equipment. They used a two-component epoxy
filler to repair holes in plywood sheets, but
substituted it with a water-based filler in powder form.
NEW EXAMPLES – FROM DENMARK
AND ABROAD
Substitutions take place constantly, both in
companies and in public institutions. Below
are presented new substitution examples,
both from Denmark, Europe, and the USA.
In the USA a programme was launched in 2006
with the aim to have large companies reducing
their emissions and product contents of longchain perfluorinated chemicals (LCPFCs),
including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and
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THE ECOLOGICAL COUNCIL
Kompan has outsourced their Danish production to the Czech Republic, and the company
no longer uses plywood sheets in their products, but high-density polypropylene sheets.
Thereby, this problem is no longer relevant.
perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). LCPFCs
are used in many production and industrial
contexts and they are toxic, persistent, and
accumulate in animals and humans. So far, the
result is that four of eight companies - Daikin
America Inc., DuPont, 3M/Dyneon, and Solvay
Solexis have attained the intermediate aim.
This aim is a decrease of emissions and product contents of 95%, and in addition the companies have developed more than 150 substitute chemicals. The ultimate aim is to completely phase out LCPFCs by 2015.
Facts on epoxy filling
Epoxy filling is a two component epoxy-based material containing a number of substances carrying potential health risks. An epoxy compound can be seen as internal ether formed by two juxtaposed groups of alcohol.
O
The simplest epoxy compound has the following formula:
CH3
CH3
Epoxy compounds are extremely reactive. They easily enter a polymerisation process with other
compounds – e.g. polyvalent aminos (compounds that have more than one amino group in the
same molecule). When the epoxy is mixed with the hardener (the polyamine) the polymerisation
will start, and the substance will start to harden.
NH2
Epoxy filling contains the following hazardous substances:
CH
1.
3-aminomethyl-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexylamine
CH3
2.
trimethylhexamethylene-diamine
CH2
CH2
CH3
CH2
CH3
CH2 – NH2
H2N - CH2 - CH2 - CH2 - CH2 - CH2 - CH2 - NH2
CH2 OH
3. Benzylalcohol
4. Bisphenol-A-diglycidylether (epoxy compound)
O
CH3
CH2 • CH • CH2 • O
C
O
O • CH2 • CH • CH2
CH3
5. Salicylic acid
COOH
OH
The substances listed above are classified as follows: 1 and 2 are both corrosive and may cause
allergic reaction when absorbed through the skin. 3 is harmful. 4 is irritant, may cause allergic
reactions when absorbed through the skin and is dangerous for the environment. 5 is harmful.
Epoxies may be the cause of allergies for people working with the substances. Therefore anyone
working with these substances must take special precautions – e.g. special training. The same
goes for isocyanates and polyurethanes (see earlier facts box).
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS CAN BE SUBSTITUTED
43
There is also a large potential for substitution
in construction materials. Construction
Specialities has introduced a “healthy chemicals” strategy, after becoming aware of the
problems associated with toxic waste. The substitution project was motivated by the desire
to reduce quantities of toxic waste. Customers
also demanded non-harmful products, for
instance from Kaiser Permanente, who has the
precautionary principle as part of their “safer
alternatives” policy. Demand for and use of
“green chemicals” is in general on the increase
in the business to business trade. One example of this is Nike who has focus on using less
dangerous chemicals in their production, and
another example is Staples, who has developed a list of dangerous chemicals they wish
to remove from their products. One such
chemical is PVC that has already been
removed from Staples’ packaging materials.
A green procurement policy is introduced in
many places setting up procurement rules
concerning contents and emissions of chemicals. A green procurement policy entails also
that in your procurement you prioritize the
respect for the climate and the environment.
This means that you may choose procurement
of IT equipment where waste disposal and
energy consumption are taken into consideration, greener detergents, hospital equipment
without endocrine disrupting substances, procurement of cars with particle filters, or ecofriendly energy purchase prioritizing wind or
biofuels.
In Cologne in Germany rules have been introduced for the procurement of the categories
of toys, furniture, and sports equipment for
municipal facilities, particularly kindergartens
and primary schools. Banned chemicals
ELECTRONICS
THE COUCH
WOODEN FURNITURE
PS
BF
Phthalates
Phthalates
BF
DS
FA
BF
ELECTRIC CORDS
Phthalates
FA
THE FLOOR
Phthalates
PS
Figure 1
A small selection of chemicals that may be released from the items we have in our homes.
BF: brominated flame retardants; DS: disinfecting substances; FA: formaldehyde; PS: polyfluorinated
substances.
44
THE ECOLOGICAL COUNCIL
Facts on long-chain perfluorinated chemicals (LCPFCs) – also called perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAS)
– including PFOA and PFOS
The two most well-known LCPFCs are PFOS (Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) and PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid).
F
F
PFOS
F
F
F
F
F
SO3H
F
F
F
F
PFOA
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
O
F
OH
F
F
F
PFOS is a perfluoro-C8-alkyl chain. The harmful effects of PFOS are so great that it July 2008 was
placed on the restricted substances list (annex XVII in REACH), and can only be used for very
specific purposes in the EU, such as fire fighting foam and aviation hydraulic fluids as well as in
certain photographic processes. It used to be applied in a large number of industry and consumer
products for impregnation of clothing, furniture cloth, and carpets. PFOS is also covered by the
Stockholm convention, which is a voluntary agreement aiming to reduce amounts of POPs
(persistent organic pollutants) in the environment.
PFOS and PFOA are found everywhere in the air, soil, sediment, groundwater, rain and surface
water, as well as in animals and humans. They are not lipophilic and do therefore not accumulate
significantly in fat tissue in the body like other persistent organic pollutants, but are bound to
proteins.
Human exposure to PFAS primarily happens in the indoor climate. Substances come from impregnation of clothing, shoes, furniture, and carpets and in the form of dust released in wear of materials. Indoor air concentration of PFAS is around 3 ng/m3, which is 25 – 100 times higher than outdoors. Most people have PFAS in their blood where it binds to proteins and may accumulate in
blood, liver, kidney, and spleen, and for some compounds in testicles and cerebral tissue. The
substances are regarded as being moderately acute toxic, but in repeated exposure they are suspected of having properties similar to oestrogen and may cause cancer and congenital malformation with mammals. In animal experiments PFOS has caused cancer of the liver, while PFOA has
caused testicular cancer. In addition, they are toxic to organisms living in water and may have
long-term effects on the aquatic environment.
There is no regulation in the field of PFOA despite the fact that it is suspected of many of the
same harmful effects as PFOS. It appears on the SIN list due to the fact that it is carcinogenic and
has endocrine disrupting properties, is persistent, and has been found to accumulate in humans
and the environment.
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS CAN BE SUBSTITUTED
45
Facts on azo dyes
Azo dyes are a group of synthetic dyes that all contain the so-called
“azo group”. Azo compounds are compounds with the functional
group of R-N = N-R ', where R and R' may be either aryl or alkyl.
R
N
N
R'
Azo dyes come in ten different dyes that are authorised in limited amounts in a large number of
foodstuffs in the EU.
It is not permitted to import, sell, and use a specific blue azo dye, azo dyes that may release carcinogenic substances, and certain goods containing azo dyes. The dyes just like all other additives
must be labelled on the food they are used in. According to the Regulation on food additives
1333/2008/EC there are additional requirements for labelling of five azo dyes and 1 non-azo dye
as from 20th of July, 2010. The dyes in question are:
• E 102 Tartrazine
• E 110 Sunset Yellow FCF
• E 122 Azoruby
• E 124 Ponceau 4R
• E 129 Allura red
• E 104 Quinolin yellow (non-azo dye)
Food containing the dyes must be marked with the text: “may have an adverse effect on activity
and attention in children”. They are all suspected of causing allergy symptoms such as hay fever,
nettle rash, diarrhea, and asthma. Tartrazine, Sunset Yellow, Azoruby, and Ponceau 4R can also
cause hyperactivity in children.
The ban on import, sale, and use of azo dyes follows from Annex XVII, No. 43 of REACH.
Facts on formaldehyde
At room temperature the substance appears as a toxic gas with a sharp, biting odour.
Formaldehyde is used, among others, as an ingredient in synthetic materials that are used as preservatives in a number of construction materials. These materials release formaldehyde slowly to
the surroundings and may thereby be concentrated in the indoor environment. In addition, the
substance is used as a preservative in products for personal care and in textiles.
Formaldehyde is carcinogenic by inhalation.
It appears on the Danish EPAs list of undesirable substances, the SIN list, and on EU list of
harmonized classification.
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THE ECOLOGICAL COUNCIL
include Bisphenol A in all categories and some
phthalates, PAHs (polyaromatic hydrocarbons),
and heavy metals in other categories.
Emissions from wood products and textiles
also have their own set of standards, and furniture made from PVC is banned. A green procurement policy contributes to increased
demand for alternative products that are less
harmful to health, and development of such
products is thereby accelerated. At the same
time it is a bonus for occupational health and
indoor climate, health, and the environment.
dren aged 0-6 years must be without phthalates, brominated flame retardants, health hazardous heavy metals, organic solvents, carcinogenic azo dyes, formaldehyde, and perfumes and aromas. Toys bought for children
aged 6-14 years must be without allergenic
perfumes.
In Denmark measures are also being taken to
enhance green procurement. The Ministry of
the Environment has joined forces with six
local authorities in the so-called “Partnership
for Public Green Procurement” committing the
local authorities to make an extra effort for the
environment through their procurement. The
measure includes targets that cars in the
municipal home care have the lowest possible
fuel consumption and the best possible particle filters, all packaging must be free from PVC
and phthalates, and all toys bought for chil-
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS CAN BE SUBSTITUTED
47
MELITEK A/S
Interview with Jesper Laursen, Business Manager
MELITEK has for more than 20 years supplied
material technology used to successfully
replace soft plasticized PVC in medicinal applications such as infusion-, dialysis- and nutrition bags and more recently in medical device
applications such as infusion- and transfusion
sets, suction and urine catheters and different
types of collection bags. Their materials are
used by several original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) supplying these type of PVC free
products in Europe and recently also in China
where there also is a strong interest for PVCfree medical devices.
Based on their extensive experience in offering PVC-free material solutions to the healthcare market, they have entered into two different EU funded projects aiming to develop and
demonstrate that replacement of soft PVC
used in blood bags is possible. So far, blood
bags have proven to be the most difficult area
for substitution of PVC and phthalates.
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THE ECOLOGICAL COUNCIL
The ‘PVCfreebloodbag’ project funded under
EU Life+ program is aiming to show that PVCfree technology is a possible alternative for
blood bags. A consortium consisting of
Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm
and a group of companies that together build
a complete supply chain from raw material
compound to finish bags systems, have joined
forces in the project. The project website is
www.PVCfreebloodbag.eu.
In another parallel project, ‘SafeBlood’ funded
under Eurostar program, MELITEK is attempting
to develop a new modified material that will
have enhanced properties for blood storage. In
this project they work together with the
Danish Technological Institute and Rigshospitalet in Denmark to develop and evaluate
the new enhanced material. They also partner
with Haemotronic in Italy that is a producer of
blood bags, -components and -tunings, and
who has a long history supplying PVC-free systems to large OEMs in the medicinal industry.
The main challenge in substituting soft PVC in
blood bags lays in the fact that the key manufacturing technologies used to produce PVC
blood bags needs to be changed to different
production technologies. This is why the consortium in both projects is teamed up with
companies that have vast experienced producing PVC-free products for other demanding
healthcare applications. Thus overcoming the
technology shift in manufacturing via the partner companies. The project challenges are at
the same time the conservativeness in the
industry producing blood bags, along with a
positive side effect of DEHP plasticizer. The
effect is that DEHP leaches from the PVC, and
that has a preservative effect on the red blood
cells – thus giving it a longer shelf life. It has
however been found in the early work in the
PVCfreebloodbag project, that the shelf life for
the red blood cells in PVC-free blood bags is
likely not significantly shorter and can further
be improved with additive solutions used in
the blood bags.
years proven their merits in other medical
applications. Combining the know how from
the hospitals with partners that together build
a complete supply chain, they think their
chances will be good to overcome the challenges in replacing soft PVC and DEHP in
blood bags. At the same time, there is an
increasing demand for PVC-free products in
the medical sector globally that will allow ‘first
movers’ to gain good market share while offering improved products with better eco-profile
and without use of harmful plasticizers (i.e.
PVC-free material NOT containing substances
listed on EU candidate list).
MELITEK has entered these two projects as
they strongly believe that time is mature to
replace soft PVC in blood bags and as their
polyolefin based materials have already for
Facts on phthalates in medical devices
Studies have found metabolites of phthalates in the urine from newborn babies hospitalized in
intensive care units, and phthalates and their degradation products (metabolites) are found
generally in urine, blood, umbilical cord blood, semen, mother's milk, uterine tissue, and amniotic fluid.
The regulation of phthalates in medical devices is found in the directives on medical devices 93/42/EEC, 90/385/EEC, and 98/79/EC. These directives will be recast in 2012. Medical devices
containing the phthalate DEHP are subject to labelling. In addition, it is not allowed to use DEHP
in toys and articles for small children in the EU (1999/815/EC). DEHP is on the candidate list, the
EU priority list of potential endocrine disruptors, and the SIN list.
See fact box page 16 for more information on phthalates.
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS CAN BE SUBSTITUTED
49
SUBSTITUTION IN HOSPITALS
Westfriesgasthuis (Gavin Ten Tusscher)(NL),
Karolinska University Hospital (S), Sygehus
Sønderjylland (DK) (Torben Mikkelsen).
PVC materials containing phthalates (plasticizers) are increasingly avoided in medical
devices.
It has been known for 30 years that phthalates
are released from PVC and thereby introduced
into patients getting in contact with the products. Products are, among others, blood bags
and tubes, catheters, and feeding tubes and
mixing bags. Particularly bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) is used in concentrations up
to 40-60 %.
DEHP is suspected of damaging the unborn
child, disturbing reproduction, harming various
organs, and having endocrine disrupting
effects. The most vulnerable persons are premature infants, infants, and children, as they
are still developing and are particularly vulnerable to endocrine disruption.
There are many alternative products on the
market, and hospitals around the world are
becoming increasingly aware of the problems.
Many choose to substitute products containing
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THE ECOLOGICAL COUNCIL
phthalates with phthalate-free equipment however many have not yet done so.
One example of a company having developed
phthalate-free tubes is the medico company
Gambro making products for diabetes treatment (kidney and liver dialysis) and other illnesses. They produce phthalate-free
haemodialysis equipment using DEHA (diethyl-hexyl-adipate) as the plasticiser. The
price of the blood tubes is the same as for
products containing phthalates as the company has lowered the price along with higher
demand and production. The phthalate-free
equipment is radiated with electrons by contrast to the products containing phthalates,
which are subjected to vapour sterilization.
Gambro states that the sterilization method
plays a major role in many hospitals and that
vapour sterilization is preferred. The company
is therefore working on the development of a
phthalate-free tube that can resist vapour sterilization.
The hospital Westfriesgasthuis in the
Netherlands has chosen to set up an almost
PVC and phthalate-free children’s section
(apart from blood bags, see section on
MELITEK). This has been possible without extra
costs for the section.
At the neonatal section at Sygehus
Sønderjylland in Denmark there is also much
focus on phthalates. All products coming in
contact with the newborn have been studied
and phthalate-free products have replaced
products containing phthalates. Originally, the
frontrunner was an environmental employee
and today the section has still large focus on
phthalates in its procurement. Phthalate-free
products include: intravenous (IV) catheters, IV
administration sets, IV tubes, feeding tubes,
gloves, pacifiers, and bandages.
Karolinska University Hospital in Sweden has
had focus on phthalates in medical devices
since 2003, when a mapping was made of the
use of soft PVC products in the various sections. In the phase-out period first priority was
to replace PVC containing phthalates in products used over long periods in the most vulnerable groups of patients, including premature infants and dialysis patients. Substituted
products include gloves, haemodialysis equipment, intravenous bags and tubes, urine bags,
feeding tubes, and catheters.
Along with increasing demand, producers of
alternative products can lower their price so
that it does not entail extra costs for the hospitals to change to more safe alternatives. In
Denmark this is supported by the fact that a
tax on PVC and phthalates has been introduced amounting to DKK 2/kilogram of soft
PVC and DKK 7/kilogram of phthalate. This tax
helps balancing the price of products containing phthalates and alternative products. The
tax was introduced in 1999, and a study from
the Danish Environmental Protection Agency
and the Ministry of Taxation estimated from
the magnitude of the yield that the use of
phthalates decreased by 15% from 2002 to
2004.
A higher tax on phthalates would support the
substitution processes for phthalates and PVC
even more. Phthalates are still an issue for
sewage sludge since the contents of phthalates are in some cases too high for sludge to
be spread on agricultural soil. If so, sludge is
incinerated and nutrients, particularly phosphorus, are wasted.
4 Into a vein
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS CAN BE SUBSTITUTED
51
BISPHENOL A SUBSTITUTION
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical that is primarily used in combination with other chemical
products in the manufacture of plastic products and resins. BPA is primarily used in the
production of polycarbonate, which is used for
plastic bottles, food containers, roof windows,
medical equipment, plastic tableware, and
baby bottles. In addition, BPA is used in the
production of epoxy varnish, which is used on
the inner side of beverage cans for sealing of
the top of the can and as a sealing of the inner
side of food cans and tubes. The purpose of
this is to avoid migration of metals to the food.
BPA is also used in thermo paper, which is
used for till receipts and fax paper.
In several countries other materials are
increasingly being used to replace BPA in cans
and other tinned goods.
In the 1990s manufacturers in Japan started on a
voluntary basis to use
polyester coating and
only use BPA as the
underlying adhesive. In
this way contents of BPA
in foodstuffs and beverages fell significantly.
Green Century Capital
Management, a consultant
on environmentally friendly investments, made
a survey among 20 major food manufacturers in
the USA about their use of BPA in food containers. Fourteen replies were received, and four
companies stated that they wished to make an
effort in the field of substitution.
Facts on bisphenol A
Bisphenol A is a solid, white substance obtained by recombining phenol and acetone catalysed
with hydrochloric acid.
CH3
Bisphenol A
HO
OH
CH3
BPA has an effect on the body similar to oestrogen and thereby falls under the category of endocrine disrupting substances. Experiments on animals indicate disturbances in reproduction, cancer, learning and behavioural disabilities, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Almost all people
in the developed world are exposed to BPA at a low, but constant level.
BPA is permitted for use in food packaging in the EU (Regulation 10/2011/EU). In January 2011
the Commission adopted Directive 2011/8/EU with an EU ban on the manufacture of baby bottles
containing BPA and a ban on import and sale in the EU of such products. BPA is on the EU priority
list of potential endocrine disruptors and on the Danish list of undesirable substances, and the
Danish Veterinary and Food Administration has introduced a temporary national ban on BPA in
products aimed at children aged 0-3 years. The ban covers baby bottles and sippy cups and materials destined for contact with food for children aged 0-3 years. In addition, in October 2011
France chose to introduce a temporary national ban on BPA in all materials in contact with food,
including packaging.
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The American producer of Eden Organic Beans
has since 1999 used cans with a coating made
from a mixture of plant based oil and resin.
This was done on a voluntary basis and means
extra costs of 14% for their cans. The new can
is not yet used for tomatoes since this application has not yet been approved.
In March 2009 Hain Celestial launched a BPAfree container for breast milk substitute, and
the company is continuously developing and
testing new coatings. Special efforts are made
to find BPA-free packaging for baby food.
Heinz no longer uses BPA in cans for baby
food, and the company will remove the substances from glass lids for baby food in
England. Heinz has also been involved in
research and hopes to remove BPA-containing
varnish from its other cans.
Alternatives to polycarbonate include high
density polyethylene (HDPE), metallocene,
polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) naphthalene, and polyethersulfone.
American Eastman Chemical Co. will, among
other things, use their product ‘tritan
copolyster’ to substitute polycarbonate in
equipment for blood therapy and management
of blood - such as haematology filters and
containers. The company states that tritan
copolyester has a good transparency, is resistant to chemicals, has good processing properties, and eliminates the need of hardening.
Furthermore, substitution of BPA-containing
polycarbonates with tritan copolyester can
take place without major alterations in the
production.
Nestlé has launched several projects to find
alternatives to BPA.
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS CAN BE SUBSTITUTED
53
BOSTON SHOECARE
Interview with Katarina Möllergren, Product
Manager
Boston Shoecare, as the name indicates, produces shoecare products. Products protecting
against dirt and water (impregnation agent)
often contain fluorinated compounds such as
perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). These substances
are persistent and accumulate in humans and
the environment.
Back in 2007 Boston shoecare developed its
first products without any contents of PFOS
and PFOA, and the use has now been completely phased out. In 2007 there were vivid
discussions in Sweden about fluorinated compounds after a press release from a Swedish
environmental NGO stating the harmfulness to
human health and the environment of these
substances. Boston had already developed the
new products and they were launched shortly
after. Boston now uses perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), which is a short-chain perfluorinated compound. Boston bases their choice on
results from studies indicating that the bioaccumulating properties and the hazardousness
of the perfluorinated compounds increase
along with the length of the alkyl chain. PFBS
with its four carbon atoms thereby has a shorter chain than PFOA and PFOS with their eight
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THE ECOLOGICAL COUNCIL
carbon atoms. As an extra security for their
customers the PFOA/PFOS free product has
been designed in a way that it forms large particles in use. This means that the substance is
less volatile, thereby decreasing the risk of
inhalation.
The company also studied the option of
replacing PFOA and PFOS with silicone compounds. This option was however not found to
give as good an impregnation and silicone
behaves differently on textiles/shoes.
Boston Shoecare has also developed a waterbased impregnation that is PFOS and PFOA
free. In this way the company avoids using solvents, which are found in other types of products. The only difference in use is that this
impregnation must dry 6-8 hours before use,
whereas products based on solvents do not
need to dry.
Boston Shoecare finds that it is mostly young
consumers who are aware of the issues associated with PFOA and PFOS, thus wishing to
avoid the substances. In addition, it is mostly
distributors who wish to sell harmless products - they have not felt the demand directly
from customers.
For more information about PFOS and PFOA,
see facts box page 45.
5 SUMMARY
More and more companies see the advantages
to be gained from substitution. Many companies substitute to maintain or create a green
image, while others do it to be one step ahead
of legislation. When a chemical product gets
bad mention and comes into focus in the
media companies may see a large benefit from
using the option of substituting away from the
mentioned chemical, replacing it with a less
harmful substance. Thereby they attract the
growing consumer group that does not wish
exposure of themselves or nature to unnecessary potential harm. However, it may be a long
and costly process for a company to substitute, and the end products may turn out to be
more expensive than the original ones. By contrast, the company will be in a good position in
the market when legislation is introduced most often at EU level. At the same time, the
company may solve an occupational health
problem and place itself at the forefront of
environmental protection.
For these reasons we see more and more innovative companies at the cutting edge of developments and keen to produce safer products both through the production processes and
the finished products. However, it is still necessary to stimulate these developments. We
are still exposed to many chemicals that may
harm human health and the environment or
that are poorly studied, which means uncertainty about their potential harmful effects.
As an EU member Denmark cannot just introduce a ban on dangerous substances. But the
above-mentioned substitution may take place,
among others, through the introduction of a
green procurement policy where the State,
regions, and the local authorities set up
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS CAN BE SUBSTITUTED
55
requirements for the many goods and services
procured - in Denmark alone this amounts to
Euro 36 billion/year. Green procurement is
already the official policy, but in practice there
is still very large scope for improvement, since
the decisions are left with the purchasers of
the different institutions. The more environmentally friendly products will often have a
higher price, but be beneficial in the long-term
perspective. However, it is difficult for institutions to pay respect to this issue, since they
have to follow a tight budget every year.
Several companies having spent resources on
substitution complain about the lack of interest from the customers, especially public institutions.
Another way of stimulating substitution is to
tax specific dangerous chemical substances.
However, this instrument has not been in use
in Denmark since the left-wing government in
1999 taxed PVC and phthalate plasticisers.
Such taxes must be approved in the EU
Commission, but if they do not discriminate
imported products against domestic products,
the Commission will normally accept such
taxes.
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THE ECOLOGICAL COUNCIL
6 READ MORE
THE ECOLOGICAL COUNCIL
www.ecocouncil.dk
• REACH og substitution i danske virksomheder (REACH and substitution in Danish
companies), 2006 (in Danish)
• ”Hazardous Chemicals Can Be Substituted”,
2006 (published in Danish and English)
• Om bromerede flammehæmmere (About
brominated flame retardants), 2006 (in
Danish)
• REACH – a leap forward for industry,
made for Nordic Council of Ministers,
2004
• Kemikalier, miljø og sundhed (Chemicals,
environment, and health), 2007 (in Danish)
• Virkemidler til bæredygtig udvikling
(grønne skatter, offentlig grøn indkøbspolitik og miljømærkning) (Instruments
for sustainable development (green
taxes, green procurement policy, and
ecolabelling), 2002 (in danish)
REACH CANDIDATE LIST
http://echa.europa.eu/web/guest/candidatelist-table
REACH AUTHORIZATION LIST
http://echa.europa.eu/web/guest/addressingchemicals-of-concern/authorisation/recommendation-for-inclusion-in-the-authorisationlist/authorisation-list
REACH REGULATION
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.
do?uri=OJ:L:2006:396:0001:0852: EN:PDF
SUBSPORT
www.subsport.eu
DANISH ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION AGENCY
www.mst.dk
• White Paper on Strategy for a future
Chemicals Policy
• How are chemical substances and products regulated
DANISH WORKING ENVIRONMENT
AUTHORITY
www. at.dk
Providing guidance, among other issues, on
work with substances and materials
ASSOCIATION OF DANISH COSMETICS,
TOILETRIES, SOAP AND DETERGENT
INDUSTRIES
www.spt.dk
Publishing, among other things, the chemicals
database of the sector
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS CAN BE SUBSTITUTED
57
ASSOCIATION OF DANISH COLOUR
AND PAINTS INDUSTRIES
www.fdlf.dk
Providing guidance, among other things, on
the MAL code system
THE INTERNATIONAL CHEMICAL
SECRETARIAT, CHEMSEC
www.chemsec.org
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THE ECOLOGICAL COUNCIL
WARNING AND PRIORITY LISTS
Candidate List
A part of the EU chemicals legislation REACH. This is a list of substances of very high concern
(SVHC). When chemicals are included on the list, manufacturers and suppliers have to meet
certain requirements. This includes consumers, upon asking, having a right to be informed
within 45-days if a substance from the candidate list is contained in a given product.
Authorization List
A part of the EU chemicals legislation REACH. In principle, the substances on the authorization
list are banned, but if the producers get a special authorization, they can use them. The first
substances will be banned in 2014.
Annex XVII (Restricted Substances List)
A part of the EU chemicals legislation REACH. When substances are included on this list, it
means either it is forbidden to produce them, promote them or use them. Annex XVII brings
together a series of prohibitions that were previously found in various directives and regulations, but also new prohibitions have been added since REACH was adopted.
SIN-list
The list is the environmental organization ChemSec’s (The Chemical Secretariat) bid at which
substances should be on the list of candidates - as they fulfill the criteria for inclusion in the
list, see www.chemsec.org / list
EU list of harmonized classification (previously called ‘List of Hazardous Substances‘)
Contains substances which are assessed and classified together in Europe. The list contains
over 8000 chemical substances and substance groups.
The Danish Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPAs) list of undesirable substances
List of substances used in large quantities and where the EPA believes that in the longer term
the use should be limited or stopped.
The Danish EPAs list of effect
A list of especially health and environmental contaminants, whereof those used in large quantities are also found on the list of undesirable substances.
EU priority list of potential endocrine disruptors
A list of substances to be further studied in detail for their endocrine disrupting effects.
Substances are divided into four categories;
Cat. 1 substances: Clear evidence in animal studies of endocrine-disrupting properties
Cat. 2 substances: Potential endocrine disruptors. Cellular and animal studies indicate potential for endocrine disrupting properties
Cat. 3a substances: Has not shown hormone-disrupting effects in experiments
Cat. 3b substances: No data or insufficient data to rule out endocrine disrupting properties
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS CAN BE
SUBSTITUTED
– DEVELOPMENTS SINCE 2006
More and more substances are studied and classified as hazardous to health or the environment, and an increasing number
of companies choose to replace potentially dangerous substances - this is called substitution. Substitution is beneficial
to both the environment and humans, but also for the company itself, as it can foster or create a green image and be innovative and at the forefront of development and legislation.
This publication is a follow up to "Hazardous chemicals can be
substituted" from 2006. The EU chemicals legislation REACH
and the concept of substitution are explained, and Danish
companies that have gone through a substitution process,
report on their experiences and what has happened since
2006. Companies have, for example, replaced heavy metals,
industrial greenhouse gases and endocrine disrupting phthalate plasticizers. Substitution does not only occur in Denmark, so
also foreign examples are included in the new edition. The
various chemicals, their effects and relevant legislation are
presented in fact boxes, and warning and priority lists are
explained.
Substitution can be an extensive process and this publication
can be used as inspiration for companies as well as a source
of information for all other interested parties.