TAGS: Skin Care Toiletries
ECHA’s investigation, drawing on information from 48 different sources, shows that substances which are carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction (CMR) may be present in childcare products (articles).
Report will Help the EC to Prepare an EU-wide Restriction
Metals like cobalt and lead, along with phthalates like DEHP, are the most common CMR substances found in childcare products.
CMRs were most often found in items like car seats, bibs, products related to toiletries, and bedding and mattresses. Children may be exposed to these hazardous substances during use, for example through skin or oral contact, and are particularly vulnerable to the harm caused by chemical substances because of their small size, developing physiology, and behavior.
ECHA’s report provides elements to support the European Commission in the preparation of a potential future restriction. These include information on how childcare articles are defined, what the restriction could cover, potential derogations, recommended concentration limits, and timeframes for implementation. The report also includes views from ECHA’s Enforcement Forum on how feasible it would be to enforce such a restriction.
The report will now be sent to the European Commission, who will use it to prepare a draft restriction proposal under REACH Article 68(2). This procedure allows the Commission to prepare a restriction proposal without involvement of ECHA’s scientific committees.
Background
The purpose of ECHA’s investigation is to support the European Commission in preparing a restriction under the REACH Regulation to protect children from exposure to CMR substances in childcare articles. It focused on substances that have a harmonized classification under the Classification, Labelling, and Packaging (CLP) Regulation as a CMR in category 1A (known human carcinogen, mutagen or reproductive toxicant) or 1B (presumed human carcinogen, mutagen or reproductive toxicant).
During the investigation, ECHA organized two public calls for evidence and a consultation on the draft report. The Agency contacted 233 different stakeholders to inform about the work and considered their feedback.
Explore our database for safer baby care ingredients.
Source: ECHA
