In a press release published on January 15, 2019, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced the addition of six new substances to the Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHCs) for authorization. Four of these substances, benzo[k]fluoranthene (CAS 207-08-9), fluoranthene (CAS 206-44-0), phenanthrene (CAS 85-01-8), and pyrene (CAS 129-00-0), are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs are a common impurity of industrial raw materials, including, among others, plasticizer chemicals and carbon black. Therefore, PAHs can be present as a contaminate in softened plastics and black colored plastics. In addition, phenanthrene and pyrene have been detected in polystyrene food contact materials, where their de novo formation during polystyrene production has been suggested (FPF reported).

Read more

ECHA (January 15, 2019). “Six new substances added to the Candidate List.”

Luke Buxton (January 15, 2019). “Six SVHCs added to REACH candidate list.” Chemical Watch