Within the EU-funded (FP7) project DEROCA, a chemicals alternatives assessment is carried out by authors from the European Commission (JRC) on six different flame retardants: DecaBDE, ATH (aluminium trihydroxide), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), red phosphorus, aluminium diethylphosphinate, N-alkoxy hindered amine reaction product (BASF Flamestab NOR 116 or CGL 116).
The analysis critically compares GreenScreen and US EPA DfE (Design for the Environment) to available data on toxicology and ecotoxicology, DNELs (Derived No Effect Levels), in particular in the REACH dossiers. This analysis concludes that Persistence is not a relevant criteria, as inorganic FRs are inherently persistent without this having any relevance to toxicity or ecotoxicty and FRs of concern cannot be identified by low DNELs. Critical criteria are bioaccumulation and CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic effects). The paper also concludes that REACH registration dossiers provide a comprehensive source of publicly available hazard and fate information necessary for alternatives assessments.
“Chemical alternatives assessment of different flame retardants – A case study including multi-walled carbon nanotubes as synergist”, K. Ashberger et al. (European Commission JRC), Environment International 101 (2017) 27–45 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2016.12.017