PFHxS Added to the POPs Regulation: What You Need to Know
In a significant environmental development, the European Union (EU) regulatory update has expanded its persistent organic pollutants (POPs) Recast Regulation to encompass PFHxS, along with its salts and related compounds. This legislative expansion came into force on August 28, 2023. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) represent a class of toxic chemicals that can be either naturally occurring or synthetic. These substances share traits of being persistent, bioaccumulative, semi-volatile, and intrinsically highly toxic. The EU’s POPs Regulation, originally established in 2019, is designed to restrict and, in some cases, prohibit the production, market presence, and utilization of POPs. Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) is a member of the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) family, serving as an alternative to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). PFHxS finds widespread application in various industries, including firefighting foams, metal plating, textiles, leather, polishes, cleaning agents, coatings, and electronics. The presence of PFHxS and similar substances poses a direct threat to human health and the environment, accumulating within the bodies of both humans and wildlife and contributing to global pollution. On August 8, 2023, the European Commission introduced a revised amendment (EU) 2023/1608 to the EU Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation 2019/1021. This amendment specifically integrates perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), its salts, and PFHxS-related compounds into the regulation, with particular provisions for intermediate use or specific scenarios. The limits established for PFHxS, its salts, and related compounds in substances, mixtures, and articles are as follows: PFHxS or any of its salts: ≤ 25 ppb (0.025 mg/kg) PFHxS-related compounds: ≤ 1 mg/kg (sum). PFHxS in firefighting foam mixtures: ≤ 0.1 mg/kg ComplianceXL extends its support to companies seeking PFAS compliance. We offer consulting services in this domain and assist with the collection of PFAS declarations from vendors. Additionally, we help our clients with maintaining up-to-date certificates and declarations from their suppliers, ensuring a robust compliance data management strategy. FAQs 1. What are PFHxS and PFHxS-related compounds means? Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) including any of its branched isomers. PFHxS-related compounds are substances that degrade to PFHxS, including substances that contain the chemical moiety C6F13S- as one of its structural elements. 2. What is the limit set for PFHxS in firefighting foams? The limit set for PFHxS in firefighting foams is ≤ 0.1 mg/kg
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs): everything you need to know
There are many instances when harmful chemicals travel and cause adverse effects far from their original places of production and use. A well-known example is persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which can travel long distances and reach remote locations. However, many of these devices contain components and materials that can pose health and environmental risks. As part of this blog post, we will explore the sources and risks of POPs in electronic devices. Various products include POP (Persistent Organic Pollutants) materials such as circuit boards, casings, cables, batteries, and other electronic device components. These materials can find their way into the environment during both manufacturing and disposal processes, potentially causing environmental contamination. Low codes are determined by the chemical makeup of waste, as well as whether hazardous waste controls or persistent organic pollutants (POPs) apply. WEEE can be categorized as follows: Hazardous waste – waste containing hazardous chemicals above certain concentrations. POP waste –If the chemicals are POPs and exceed certain concentrations. A POP is an organic compound that has toxic properties, persists in the environment, accumulates in food chains, and poses a health and environmental risk. As a result of their persistence, these chemicals have the potential to be transported far from their source through air, water, and migratory species. The release of POPs into water bodies or the deposit of POPs in soil can pollute these environments. As a result of this contamination, aquatic life, soil organisms, and ultimately humans are at risk of consuming contaminated water or crops. How to safeguard society and Environment from POP? The prevention, control, and responsible management of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are vital for protecting society and the environment. These measures can protect society and the environment from the harmful effects of POPs. Hazardous substances can be reduced by adopting eco-design principles. Manufacturers, policymakers, consumers, and recycling facilities must collaborate to share knowledge, best practices, and innovations in reducing and eliminating POPs in electronic devices. The government should enact and enforce regulations restricting or banning POPs in electronic devices. Consumer demand for safer and more sustainable electronic devices can be increased by increasing public awareness about POP risks. Developing safer alternatives to POPs commonly used in electronic devices should be the focus of research and development. Population declines and biodiversity loss can result from POPs negatively impacting ecosystems and biodiversity. Aside from affecting human life, it can also cause cancer, developmental disorders, neurological effects, hormonal disruptions, resulting in thyroid problems, impaired immune function, and metabolic problems. There is no doubt that POPs have a significant, and widespread, impact on human health and the environment as a whole as a result of their widespread distribution and use. As a result of our inability to reduce the production, use, and release of pollutants that cause damage to human health and to ecosystems, it is essential that we take steps to protect both human health and ecosystem integrity. ComplianceXL offers specialized solutions to help organizations effectively manage POP-related documentation. The services we provide include consulting, supplier engagement, and more, all to address the challenges posed by Persistent Organic Pollutants. To learn how we can help your organization ensure compliance and safeguard the environment, contact our Material Compliance Specialists today. FAQs 1. What are the persistent organic pollutants in e-waste? E-waste contains numerous toxic chemicals including metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and nickel, and organic compounds such as flame retardants, chlorofluorocarbons, (PAHs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), (PCDD/Fs).
Key updates to the Stockholm POP convention
The Stockholm Convention, an international treaty governing hazardous pollutants, adopted a decision to ban three persistent organic pollutants at the 11th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) held in Geneva from 1 to 12 May 2023. A global ban is adopted on the production and use of the chemicals listed below: Methoxychlor UV-328 (CAS 25973-55-1) Dechlorane Plus Chemicals like these are persistent, bioaccumulative, and harmful to human health and the environment. Time-limited exemptions have been agreed upon for specific uses of UV-328 and Dechlorane Plus. The EU proposed methoxychlor in 2019 for inclusion in the Convention. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are carbon-based organic chemicals that accumulate in living organisms through bioaccumulation. POPs can cause cancer, allergies, and hypersensitivity. These chemicals can damage the nervous system, cause reproductive disorders, and are endocrine disruptors. Methoxychlor was once used to replace DDT against numerous insects and pests on crops, ornamentals, livestock, and pets. It is banned in the US and the European Union due to its toxicity, persistence, and bioaccumulation ability. UV-328 is a UV absorber that protects polymers from degradation under ultraviolet radiation. The chemical may affect the liver and kidneys in animal studies. UV-328 is the first non-halogenated chemical included in the Stockholm Convention. Dechlorane Plus is a chlorinated flame retardant used in adhesives, sealants, and polymers. They are widely used in motor vehicles, electrical and electronic equipment, aerospace, and defense. Regulations that control POPs have reduced levels of POPs in humans and the environment. The adoption of procedures and mechanisms for compliance with the Stockholm Convention in the field of POPs has marked remarkable achievements in 2 decades of work. For the first 12 chemicals on the POP list, concentrations measured in the air and in the human population have decreased and remain at low levels. Newly introduced POPs also show decreasing concentration levels. Several countries have called for labelling of products containing two plastic ingredients, while others oppose it. The scientific control committee of the convention plans to evaluate the possibilities of identifying POPs in products and waste. As a consulting firm,ComplianceXL assists companies in the areas of POP compliance and supplier declaration collection by providing consulting and training services. As part of our compliance and data management strategy, we also assist customers in regularly maintaining their supplier certificates and declarations in order to ensure that they are to date at all times. Frequently Asked Questions: 1. Do dechlorane plus and UV-328 have a time-limited exemption? Special exemptions for production and/or use for 5 years after the amendment’s entry into force. These applications will continue to be supported until 2044, or until the end of the articles’ life, whichever is first 2.What are persistent organic pollutants (POPs)? Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are carbon-based organic chemicals that can accumulate in living organisms through bioaccumulation causing serious health hazards.