The European Chemical Agency, ECHA, has proposed to restrict the use of chlorinated phosphorus ester flame retardants (TCEP, TCPP and TDCP, and a mixture of these) in flexible polyurethane foams (PUR) in certain products. The proposal is justified by a screening assessment which identifies a cancer risk for children exposed to these chlorinated substances, and considers that they have similar properties and uses. Restriction in childcare products (baby mattresses, car seats, baby slings) and residential upholstered furniture is proposed. Options to extend the restriction to textiles, adult mattresses, toys and non-residential furniture were considered but not recommended by ECHA. The report suggests that substitute PIN FRs are available, although probably not as straight drop-in replacements, but with a higher cost. ECHA recommends to the European Commission that a REACH Annex XV restriction dossier be prepared.
TCEP: tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate; TCPP: tris(2-chloro-1-methylethyl) phosphate; TDCP: tris[2-chloro-1-(chloromethyl)ethyl] phosphate. ECHA “Screening report. An assessment of whether the use of TCEP, TCPP and TDCP in articles should be restricted” 5th April 2018 https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/13641/screening_report_tcep_tcpp_td-cp_en.pdf/e0960aa7-f703-499c-24ff-fba627060698