Chemical name: Terphenyl, chlorinated

Final regulatory action has been taken for the category: Industrial

Final regulatory action: The chemical is Banned

Use or uses prohibited by the final regulatory action:

All uses of PCTs

Use or uses that remain allowed:

Exceptionally, derogation may be granted till the end of 2005 on the terms of closed systems, such as transformers, resistors and inductors according to the Regulation relating to bans and restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations. Further to general prohibitions of PCTs, the use and sale of any preparations, including waste oils, with a PCT content of more than 0.005% are prohibited.

PCTs are designated as PIC Chemicals (Annex I of the Regulation on the import and export of certain dangerous chemical substances and preparation on the Bulgarian territory. The import and use of the chemical for research or laboratory purpose in quantities less than 10 kg are allowed.

The final regulatory action was based on a risk or hazard evaluation: No

Summary of the final regulatory action:

PCTs are banned for use and sale as industrial chemicals. Exceptionally, derogation may be granted till the end of 2005 on the terms of closed systems, such as transformers, resistors and inductors according to the Regulation relating to bans and restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations. Further to general prohibitions of PCTs, the use and sale of any preparations, including waste oils, with a PCT content of more than 0.005% are prohibited.

PCTs are designated as PIC Chemicals (Annex I of the Regulation on the import and export of certain dangerous chemical substances and preparation on the Bulgarian territory= The import and use of the chemical for research or laboratory purpose in quantities less than 10 kg are allowed.

The reasons for the final regulatory action were relevant to: Human health and environment

Summary of known hazards and risks to human health:

PCTs can turn into dioxins if a fire breaks out (as at Seveso) Mild effects of eye and skin irritation. PCT may occur in food at concentration of 0.01 to 0.05 ppm. Human daily intake has been estimated at 0.05 ug (only vegetable products).

Expected effect of the final regulatory action in relation to human health:

Reduction of the risk and exposure for human health.

Summary of known hazards and risks to the environment:

Persistence in the environment, bioaccumulation in the food chain. At temperatures between 300^{oC and 800oC thermolysis will lead to highly toxic chlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans. Concentrations in water may vary between 0.0005-0.33 ppb. In soil a maximum concentration of 13 ppm was found close to a factory, in sewer sludge up to 5 pppm and sediment 1.2 ppm}

Expected effect of the final regulatory action in relation to the environment:

Reduction of the risk and exposure for the environment.

Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 01/01/2003