Bisphenols, phthalates, PVC plastics… Thousands of chemical substances, potentially toxic to health, are about to become banned in Europe, announces the European Commission. What is a chemical substance? Where are they found? Which to avoid? Definition, list and dangers.
Plastics PVC, phthalates, bisphenols… From thousands of chemicals could soon be banned in Europewarns the European Commission in a roadmap of restrictions released on April 25, 2022 and developed as part of the Chemicals Legislation Strategy for Sustainability. This is a working document which is not final and which may evolve, specifies the Commission. Among these chemicals, both harmful to the environment and to human healthwe find : bisphenol A, phthalates, PVC plastics, flame retardants, certain pigments… which are contained in many everyday objects such as diapers, baby bottles, food containers, cartons pizzathe Cans, toys, cans, paints, cosmetics, household products… By 2030some will be totally removed from everyday objects, others will be replaced by other less dangerous substances. What is a chemical substance? Which could soon be banned in Europe? Are they harmful to health? And what risks really? Decryption.
Definition: what is a chemical substance?
A chemical substance results either from the industrial transformation of a natural resource by a chemical treatment, or from a natural transformation which involves modifications of atoms or molecules (this is called a manufacturing process). We therefore distinguish:
- chemical substances of natural origin which come from animals, plants, minerals, micro-organisms…
- synthetic chemical substancesmade by man.
There are chemical substances (natural or synthetic) everywhere in our daily life : cosmetics, cleaning products, DIY products, food containers, kitchen utensils, toys, food… Because some can be very harmful to health and the environmentthe European Commission is in particular responsible for developing EU regulations concerning chemicals, food additives, as well as the labeling and classification of substances.
List: which chemical substances are harmful for example?
The European Commission’s strategy emphasizes that chemicals are fundamental to societybut they must be submitted to a solid framework to foster a toxic-free environment and to protect people and the environment from those that are harmful. In particular, the Commission plans to restrict certain substances, in particularcarcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic substances (CMR), endocrine disruptors (ED), persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) and very persistent and highly bioaccumulative (vPvB), immunotoxic, neurotoxic, specific organ toxicants and restricted respiratory sensitizers“. This list is available at the website of the European agency ECHA. The European Commission thus forecasts, by 2030, theprohibition the marketing of proven or presumed CMR (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic and Reprotoxic) substances for the general population (see examples below) which can be of different levels:
- a ban on certain uses of one or more substances,
- a replacement of a chemical substance by another less or not dangerous (as was the case for the bisphenol A for example),
- a limitation of their manufacture, importation and marketing
- a restriction of use.
| Substance | What do you find it in? | Risk for the health |
|---|---|---|
| PVC (and its additives) | Flooring, windows, shutters… | Multiple harmful effects including carcinogenic effects |
Flame retardants | Childcare articles, synthetic foam mattresses, nappies, computers, clothing, sofas, car seats. | Carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic effects |
| Perfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS or perfluorinated) | Paper and cardboard packaging for food use (pizza boxes, cones of fries, etc.), kitchen utensils (in particular non-stick material), textiles (outerwear, upholstery fabrics), certain pesticides and drugs… | Persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic substances Very persistent and very bioaccumulative substances Substances that can disrupt the endocrine system. |
| Phthalates (including ortho-phthalates) | PVC items: teething rings, balls, tablecloths, pipes, shower curtains, raincoats, glues, lubricants, wires and cables, food packaging… | Carcinogenic and reprotoxic effects (toxic for reproduction) Endocrine disruptors |
Lead chromate (yellow pigment) | Paints, inks, rubber, plastics… | Carcinogenic and reprotoxic effects (toxic for reproduction) |
| Bisphenol (including Bisphenol A, Bisphenol S) | Rigid plastics, food containers, cans, preserves, receipts… | Endocrine disruptors Unacceptable risk to human health Reprotoxic |
What are the health hazards of chemicals?
Exposure to chemical substances present in the environment or in the workplace can have harmful consequences on health. Several risks have been identified:
- Risk carcinogenic (may cause cancer)
- Risk mutagen (may lead to genetic mutations, which can be transmitted to fetuses)
- Risk reprotoxic (possibly toxic for reproduction: reduced fertility, reduced sperm quality, increased risk of congenital malformations or delayed development in the unborn child, increased risk of miscarriageprematurity, etc.)
- Risk disrupt the endocrine system (by modifying the action of hormones)
Whatever the chemical substance, the health risks depend on:
- the type of chemical substance,
- exposure frequency
- the exposure time,
- the amount to which we are exposed
These health effects can be immediate (burning, skin irritation, itching, asphyxiation…), occur after repeated exposures (development of a respiratory or skin allergy…), or appear delayed (development of cancer, occurrence in offspring, etc.)
Examples of warning notices on packaging “DANGER” + code:
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► Prioritize the purchase and use of products that do not carry a hazard statement. Companies that manufacture, import or use them have legal obligations in Europe. A signal word or pictogram “Hazard (with a code H340, H350, H360 for example)” is visible on the product label if it contains a chemical substance with a proven, supposed, presumed or suspected risk.
► Avoid being exposed to these products at home.
► Do not take part in DIY work during pregnancy in the case of work, for example
► Discuss your pregnancy project with occupational medicine in the event of occupational exposure
Sources: European Commission roadmap, April 25, 2022 / INERIS Chemical Substances Portal / Public Health France exposure to chemical substances sheet / EU regulations concerning chemicals, food additives and labeling and the classification of substances, from the European Commission.