Request for information on risk management evaluations (covering Annex F of the Stockholm Convention)
Updated 28 February 2023
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/risk-management-evaluations-of-substances-proposed-as-persistent-organic-pollutants-pops/risk-management-evaluations-covering-annex-f-of-the-stockholm-convention
Overview
The UK is a party to the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which are substances that persist in the environment, accumulate in living organisms and pose a risk to our health and the environment.
They can be transported by air, water or migratory species across international borders, reaching regions where they have never been produced or used.
Substances listed in the convention are generally prohibited from production, marketing or use unless exemptions apply or specific acceptable purposes have been agreed.
There is a process for parties to propose a substance for listing if they have gathered evidence that suggests it may be a POP. The POPs Review Committee (POPRC), the technical scientific committee of the Stockholm Convention, then considers and further develops the evidence that the substance demonstrates POP characteristics.
If there is evidence that it is a POP, they then consider the socio and economic impacts of a ban or restriction and make recommendations to the Stockholm Convention Conference of Parties, which is held every 2 years.
Risk Management Evaluations (Annex F)
The POPRC has agreed the Risk Profiles (Annex E) for the following substances and is now developing the Risk Management Evaluations (Annex F) that provide information on the social and economic impacts of any control measures under consideration for this substance.
Information is therefore requested on production, use, emissions, monitoring, alternatives, impacts on society, efficiency and efficacy of proposed control measures, costs and waste disposal.
UV-328 92-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4,6-bis(2-methylbutan-2-yl)phenol)
UV-328 is a type of chemical compound called a phenolic benzotriazole. It is used as an ultraviolet (UV) absorber to protect surfaces from discoloration and degradation under sunlight. This substance is used in products including:
- coatings and paints
- as plastics additives
- plastics in non-food contact layer of food packaging
- plastics, printing inks and adhesives used in food contact materials
- automotive paints, coatings and sealants
- in liquid crystal panels and meters mounted on vehicles
- resin for interior and exterior parts of vehicles
Dechlorane plus, with its syn- and anti-isomers
Dechlorane plus is a polychlorinated flame retardant that has been in use since the 1960’s.
It is used as:
- an additive flame retardant in electrical wire and cable coatings
- plastic roofing materials
- connectors in TV and computer monitors
- a non-plasticising flame retardant in polymeric systems, such as nylon and polypropylene plastic
In January 2022, the POPRC decided that the risk profile should remain open for revision if new data, specifically adverse effects data are made available ahead of the next meeting in September 2022, but the Risk Management Evaluation should be drafted.