Echa calls for restriction on lead stabilisers in PVC

Recently, ECHA says there is a need to introduce a ban, in the EU, on the use of lead stabilisers used in PVC – possibly with an exemption for recycled products.
 
A risk management option analysis (RMOA), conducted by the agency and published on its site on December 11, concludes that there is a need for a restriction to be introduced under REACH. The European Stabiliser Producers Association (ESPA), whose members account for more than 95% of the stabiliser industry in Europe, says it is on course to substitute lead-based stabilisers in PVC across the EU, by the end of this year. The European Stabiliser Producers Association (ESPA), whose members account for more than 95% of the stabiliser industry in Europe, says it is on course to substitute lead-based stabilisers in PVC across the EU, by the end of this year.
 
Currently, Annex XVII to REAH poses restrictions on lead carbonates (entry 16), lead sulphates (entry 17) that they shall not be placed on the market, or used, as substances or in mixtures, where the substance or mixture is intended for use as paint; and lead (entry 63) shall not be placed on the market or used in any individual part of jewellery articles if the concentration of lead (expressed as metal) in such a part is equal to or greater than 0,05 % by weight.
 
Lead compounds are widely used in manufacturing rigid and flexible PVC products, such as accessories, window frames, wires and cables.
There are nine lead compounds on the candidate list, which are potentially used as stabilisers, says ECHA. Two of these were included in the agency’s draft seventh recommendation for Annex XIV.
 
The RMOA says a study, conducted for the PVC industry, concluded that a general concentration limit of 0.1% of lead in PVC – and with no exemptions for recycling – would lead to job losses and higher costs in the PVC recycling industry. But if an exemption was granted for construction products made from recycled PVC with a 1% lead concentration limit, there would be very little impact.
 
C&K Testing advisers companies should pay attention to the amendment to REACH so that they can make proper adjustment accordingly.