Risk management evaluation (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/draft-evaluations-of-substances-proposed-as-persistent-organic-pollutants/risk-management-evaluation-covering-annex-f-of-the-stockholm-convention
The POPRC has agreed the risk profile (Annex E) for the following substances and the first drafts of risk management evaluations (RME) have been made available for comment. The RME provides information on the socio and economic impacts of any control measures under consideration for this substance.
Comments are therefore invited on alternatives, impacts on society, efficiency and efficacy of proposed control measures, costs, and waste disposal.
1. Dechlorane plus with its syn- and anti-isomers
Dechlorane plus is a polychlorinated flame retardant that has been in use since the 1960s. Uses include as an additive flame retardant in electrical wire and cable coatings, plastic roofing materials, connectors in TV and computer monitors, and as a non-plasticising flame retardant in polymeric systems, such as nylon and polypropylene plastic.
Earlier the draft risk profiles were reviewed at both the POPRC meetings in January 2021 and 2022 and it was decided that more information on adverse effects was needed.
The updated version of this risk profile will be further discussion at the next POPRC meeting, however, in January 2022 the POPRC decided that the risk management evaluation should be drafted.
2. UV-328 2-(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:
- coating products
- air care products
- adhesives and sealants
- additive to plastics
- personal care products such as sunscreens
- lubricants and greases
- polishes and waxes washing and cleaning products
Other releases to the environment of this substance are likely to occur from:
- indoor use (for example, machine wash liquids or detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners)
- outdoor use, indoor use in closed systems with minimal release (for example cooling liquids in refrigerators, oil-based electric heaters)
- outdoor use in closed systems with minimal release (for example, hydraulic liquids in automotive suspension, lubricants in motor oil and break fluids)