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The use of chemicals in products strongly depends on the materials used. The harmful substances to be be anticipated in products made of metal differ from those in products made of plastic. In the case of plastic products the harmful substances they may contain depend on the type of plastic (PP, ABS or PVC, etc.).
The Product Chem Risk app specifies for each substance in the candidate list the materials in which it is typically present. This information was derived mainly from reliable literature and own expertise and observations, e.g. generated in the DEKRA laboratory. Currently the Product Chem Risk database lists around 150 materials, including polymers, natural substances and tissues, mineral materials, metals, alloys, and electronic components.
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What are Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC)?
SVHC is the abbreviation for "Substances of Very High Concern". The EU REACH Regulation (No. 1907/2006) stipulates that substances that are of very high concern due to their health-related or environmental hazards, can be included in the so-called candidate list. Such substances are carcinogenic, mutagenic or are of reproductive toxicity (CMR), they accumulate in the foodchain (PBT or vPvB) or act hazardous in a different way (e.g. as sensitizer or endocrine disruptors). The candidate list is updated twice a year.
It is one goal of the REACH regulation to reduce the use of SVHC. The EU-Kommission can include these substances in REACH annex XIV so that the use of a substance will be subject to authorisation. To raise awareness in their supply chain in due time, REACH art. 33 stipulates that suppliers have to inform their commercial customers proactively if substances of the candidate list are included in their articles. The threshold-value is 0,1 %(w/w). Knowing about SVHC in an article is an important element for product compliance.
Many of the SVHC are additives that are used in polymers, e.g. as softeners, as flame retardants or as stabilisers. With detailed information on it's material, it is possible to conclude which SVHC can be expected in an article. Here, the Product Chem Risk App puts extensive expert knowledge at your hands that is updated regularly.