1. Definition of SVHC
Substances of very high concern (SVHCs) are chemical substances identified by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) as being of very high concern for their potential impacts such as harm to human health or the environment. It should be noted that these substances are not banned but may be subject to some form of regulatory control or risk management measures.
2. Properties of SVHC
SVHCs typically exhibit certain qualities. These include toxicity, bioaccumulation and persistence in the environment, carcinogenicity and mutagenicity. These properties mean that SVHCs can be transferred up the food chain and accumulate in organisms bodies; they can also remain in the environment indefinitely, causing long-term damage. SVHCs are therefore a particular concern because of their potential to cause environmental and health damage.
3. Risk Management
Managing the risks associated with SVHCs requires appropriate risk management measures. These measures can include information-sharing, pre-market assessment and evaluation, risk assessment and identification, enforcement of risk management measures as well as product substitution if suitable alternatives exist, and other measures as needed. For example, Member States in the European Union have implemented extended producer responsibility (EPR) whereby producers or importers have a legal responsibility for the waste their products generate, enabling the better management of hazardous products and helping to prevent the release of dangerous substances into the environment.
4. Product Labeling
One way of managing SVHCs is via product labeling. By providing consumers with additional information on the composition of a product and any potential environmental or health impacts associated with its use, labels enable consumers to make more informed decisions when purchasing a product. Labels can also be used to aid in the enforcement of risk management measures and restrictions on the use of certain SVHCs.
5. Conclusion
It is clear that the presence of SVHCs in the environment is a major concern and one that needs to be addressed. The use of risk management measures and product labeling is an effective way of managing the risks posed by SVHCs, as it enables consumers to understand the potential risks associated with a product before making a purchase. In addition, by enforcing risk management measures, governments can ensure that SVHCs are not released into the environment, helping to protect people and the environment from long-term damage.
