As reported in an article published on December 19, 2019 by regulatory news provider Chemical Watch, the member state committee of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has recognized perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS, CAS 375-73-5) and its salts as a substance of very high concern (SVHC). PFBS was found to pose an equivalent level of concern under REACH article 57f as other substances listed as carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic (CMR), persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT), as well as being very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB). The mobility of PFBS in the environment was reported to be one of the “main drivers” during assessment of the substance.
PFBS was nominated in August 2019 by Norway for consideration as an SVHC (FPF reported). It belongs to the group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and included in the FACET database of food contact chemicals. It will now be added to the candidate list of SVHCs for authorization in the coming months.
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HEAL (December 20, 2019). “Another “forever chemical” – PFBS – added to Europe’s list of substances of very high concern.”
ECHA (December 5, 2019). “Annex XV Report: Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) and its salts.” (pdf)
Emma Davies (December 19, 2020). “Echa committee agrees PFBS is substance of very high concern.” Chemical Watch
