The Swedish Chemicals Agency (KemI) has submitted a proposal to the European Commission to restrict medium-chained chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) in electrical and electronic equipment. The agency proposes to ban concentrations over 0,1% of MCCPs as it is concerned over possible environmental effects.
“We are worried about the effect medium-chained chlorinated paraffins have on the environment. These substances are classified as very toxic for aquatic organisms, both acutely and chronically”, says Johanna Löfbom, investigator at KemI, in a press release.
These MCCPs are used mainly as flame retardants and plasticisers in PVC sheathed cables and wires in electrical and electronic equipment, such as cables for television sets and household appliances.
The agency states that some of these chemicals may also meet the criteria for persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) substances, making them even more hazardous.