The RoHS Directive aims to prevent the risks posed to human health and the environment related to the management of electronic and electrical waste by restricting the use of certain hazardous substances.
On 20 May 2022, the European Commission published an Initiative on its official website for substances restricted by the RoHS Directive, proposing to add tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBP-A) and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) to the current list of restricted substances.
The adoption time of this plan is scheduled to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2022.
Table 1. About medium chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBP-A).
| |
MCCPS |
TBBP-A |
| Function |
Similar to SCCP, it is a class of plasticizers with flame retardant functions. Commonly found in PVC, soft plastics, rubber materials, coatings, adhesives, sealants, especially wires and cables. There are already relevant alternatives on the market for MCCPs used as plasticizers and flame retardants. |
Used as a reactive flame retardant in electrical and electronic products. |
| Toxicity |
Including reproductive toxicity, aquatic biological toxicity. MCCPs are compliant with PBT (persistence, bioaccumulative, toxicity) and vPvB (high persistence and high bioaccumulability) in the REACH regulations properties, which were added to the SVHC Candidate List in July 2021. |
The EU is evaluating the endocrine disruptive properties and PBT properties of TBBP-A. |
| Environmental Hazards |
The disposal of electrical and electronic products and the recycling of PVC materials will pose unacceptable risks to human health and the environment. MCCPs in soil and water sediments can trigger secondary poisoning of organisms after they enter the food chain. |
A pervasive pollutant that is often detected in the environment. Waste disposal and recycling of electrical and electronic products may pose an unacceptable risk to workers, as well as harmful residues or conversion degradation products that lead to uncontrolled diffusion and release into the environment. |