Chemicals Stakeholder Forum
Statement on Mid Chain-length Chlorinated Paraffins
At its meeting on 10th September 2002, the UK Chemicals Stakeholder Forum (CSF) concluded that medium chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) present substantial risks to the environment. The Forum has called on industry to take voluntary action to address these risks in the UK. The Forum will also be looking at the evidence of possible risks to human health via the environment when more information becomes available.
The main use of MCCPs is in the manufacture of PVC. MCCPs also have significant uses in other plastic/rubber products (as flame retardants), as well as in sealants, paints, metal cutting/working fluids, leather fat liquors and carbon-less copy paper. MCCPs are mainly used in industrial processes but are also found in some products used directly by consumers.
The decision to take this action followed extensive consideration by the CSF and its scientific advisory body, the Advisory Committee on Hazardous Substances (ACHS). MCCPs are also being considered under EU regulations and much of the evidence considered was taken from the Existing Substances Regulation (ESR) process. MCCPs are persistent, potentially bioaccumulative, and toxic to aquatic organisms. The ESR Risk Assessment concluded that MCCPs do present a risk to both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, particularly from some uses in the plastics, metal working and leather industries. It is also recognised that some uses do not currently lead to an environmental concern (e.g. formulation and use of sealants).
The Forum has asked industry's MCCP Best Practice User Forum to come up with a practical, achievable plan that will reduced risks to the environment in the UK in advance of any action at EU level. The plan should be targeted, looking at where advances can be made quickly, rather than seeking to be completely comprehensive. It should include proposals on how the success of the plan could be monitored and should not only focus at "end of pipe" solutions.
The Forum will be seeking regular updates on progress from the MCCP Best Practice User Forum.
Further information on discussions on MCCPs at the Chemical Stakeholder Forum and Advisory Committee on Hazardous Substances can be found on the internet at www.defra.gov.uk/environment/chemicals/csf/ and www.defra.gov.uk/environment/chemicals/achs/. Contact the CSF Secretariat for further information at chemicals.strategy@defra.gsi.gov.uk.
November 2002
Page published
12 November 2002;
Page last modified
21 November, 2002