The search for PBTs/vPvBs

摘要

From 19 March, companies must use the revised persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) criteria, under REACH, in place of the previous set. Industry is broadly happy with the criteria, but still has issues over the processes used to identify new PBTs. The environmental and health effects of PBT substances are difficult to detect at an early stage and nigh on impossible to predict. In the case of very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) substances, even if no toxicity is picked up in laboratory tests, high levels could be reached in humans or the environment over a period of years, with unpredictable effects, says Peter Lepper, a senior scientist at ECHA.