Are MCCPs a real threat?

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has issued a call for public consultations regarding Medium Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (MCCPs) containing chloroalkanes carbon lengths from C14 to C17 (CA:C14-17) under REACH Annex XVII. A variety of industries, including leather, textiles, and construction, use these substances as plasticizers, lubricants, and flame retardants.

MCCPs are already on the SVHC Candidate List and are a candidate alongside the ten substances already in the European Union (EU) RoHS Directive, also referred to as RoHS 4. A major concern concerning MCCPs is their persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity (PBT). It is known that PBT substances do not degrade and instead accumulate in the food chain, causing long-term harm to the environment and wildlife. MCCPs have been linked to a wide range of adverse effects on the environment and wildlife, such as disruption of hormones and reproductive systems.

MCCPs are used in flame retardants and plasticizers in PVC, adhesives and sealants, rubber, paints and coatings, leather, and waterproofing agents.

Aquatic toxicity and the bio accumulative properties of MCCPs are a threat. MCCPs released into the air could damage the worker’s respiratory system.

Two limitations have been proposed:

• Prohibition of production and placing on the market of substances, mixtures and objects after a two-year transition period, or
• The prohibition of placing substances, mixtures, or articles on the market after a two-year transition period, except for metalworking fluids, where a seven-year transition period or exemption could be considered.

The public consultation ends on March 22, 2023, and ECHA’s final opinion is expected to be available by September 2023.

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