HBCD

Many scientific studies were conducted for HBCD in the framework of an EU Risk Assessment (RA) for environment and human health. The Swedish government was assigned to undertake the RA of HBCD.

The RA was initiated in 1996 and a final draft was made available in May 2008. A complete data set is already available and it is unlikely that significant new data will need to be generated for Registration under REACH.

Human Health

The RA conclusions identified no risk to consumers. Furthermore, no risks have been found for most workplaces when standard industrial hygiene measures are applied (current EU practice). However, for the handling of fine powders a possible risk for repeated dose toxicity and toxicity to reproduction has been identified. This risk can be addressed by using appropriate technical measures or personal protective equipment.

All the conclusions can be found in the Final Draft Risk Assessment Hexabromocyclododecane of May 2008.

Environment

The RA concluded that HBCD has PBT properties.

On the basis of these conclusions, the Swedish Chemicals Agency (KemI) proposed to include HBCD in the candidate list for Authorisation under REAH, identifying HBCD as a substance of very high concern (SVHC).

Following this proposal, ECHA decided to include HBCD in the candidate list for Authorisation under REACH. For further details, please see the page dedicated to regulation in Europe. 

HBCD was classified as R50/53 (Very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment).

Given the risks identified for the environment, and in order to ensure a responsible use of the chemical, HBCD producers and users are implementing voluntary programs to monitor, control and reduce emissions to the environment.