List of undesirable substances 2000
3. Types of activity
Substances with special priorities
The "Goals and Activities" fields of 26 of the data sheets indicate that the substances concerned are the subject of high-priority activities. The particular activities associated with these high-priority substances/groups of substances refer to the first three of the activities listed below - they are shown in the "Activities" fields on the data sheets.
Initiatives for prohibition or restriction
In the case of listed substances for which the body of knowledge is already sufficient to justify initiatives for prohibition or restriction, a description is given of the specific initiative being contemplated for implementation. The same applies to substances for which an action plan has already been drafted or is in the process of being drafted.
The especially high-priority substances targeted by these initiatives are:
 | alkylphenol and alkylphenol ethoxylates |
| azo dyes |
| lead and lead compounds |
| brominated flame retarders |
| creosote compounds |
| hydrogenated fluorocarbons (HFCs) |
| short-chained chlorinated paraffins |
| methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) |
| organotin compounds |
| perfluorinated hydrocarbons |
| phthalates |
| sulphur hexafluoride. |
Acquisition of knowledge for phase-out initiatives
In the case of listed substances, the goal for which is restriction, there is a need to acquire additional scientific knowledge to facilitate the implementation of prohibitions or restrictions. This could be a matter of knowledge pertaining to the specific use of the substances in all types of product, possible substitutes, as well as an assessment of the socio-economic consequences of such regulation, before deciding how the restriction of substance use can be implemented.
The especially high-priority substances for which this activity is planned are:
| chromium compounds |
| dichloromethane |
| formaldehyde |
| copper compounds |
| long-chained chlorinated paraffins |
| mercaptobenzothiazol (MBT) |
EU risk assessment in progress
The "Activities" fields also indicate whether or not a substance has been selected for submission to common risk assessment in the EU, as well as the country which has been appointed to conduct the assessment.
Some of the substances undergoing risk assessment have progressed so far into the EU process that any national initiatives must await the results of this common work within the EU.
The especially high-priority substances for which this activity is planned are:
| ethyl glycol |
| cadmium and cadmium compounds |
| medium-chained chlorinated paraffins |
| musk xylenes |
| nickel |
| tetrachloroethylene |
| 1,2,4 trichlorobenzene |
| trichloroethylene |
| tris(2-chlorethyl)phosphate. |
Classification initiatives
Certain substances are shown as already undergoing classification or as requiring assessment for classification in the future. This activity is included because a risk assessment is the first step in the final assessment of a given substance. In addition, the classification and labelling of a substance - or of the products of which it is an ingredient - will constitute vital information which purchasers and consumers can use, for instance, to reject the most hazardous chemicals.
Consumer products
Paints, varnishes and adhesives belong to the product groups in which some of the undesirable substances are included. The main problem here is use in consumer products, as consumers are not protected to the same high level as are operators in their working environments. Possible initiatives for these product groups will therefore primarily target the consumer sector.
Scientific studies
Finally, scientific studies, e.g., OECD danger assessments, intended to elucidate the environmental impact of the substances are already in progress. Any initiatives that target these substances will therefore not be started until the results of the studies are available.
Surveillance programme
In connection with the new national surveillance programme for the aquatic environment (NOVA 2003) (Danish EPA, Report No. 1, 2000) /20/, assays for about 275 chemical substances will be conducted on a large number of aquatic and environmental samples during the course of the programme. The LOUS indicates whether or not the individual substances or substance groups are within the scope of NOVA 2003.
Inspection
Many substances are classified as carcinogens, able to cause heritable genetic damage or to impair fertility, due either to a substance's properties or the presence of impurities. These substances must not be used in chemical products that are sold in retail trade. The Danish EPA's Chemical Inspection Service will investigate the use of these substances in consumer products during 2001-2002.
Information
Information campaigns are planned for certain substances and substance groups. To the extent that it is relevant, the campaigns will be co-ordinated and carried out in collaboration with the country's local councils and county councils.