On November 7, 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) added a new chemical, Triphenyl Phosphate (TPP), to the Candidate List. This brings the total number of substances of very high concern (SVHCs) on the Candidate List to 242, all of which are chemicals that may pose risks to human health or the environment.
TPP is classified as an organophosphate flame retardant (OPFR), a group of compounds widely used to enhance the flame resistance of materials. These substances not only exhibit excellent flame retardant properties—forming a carbonized layer by releasing phosphoric acid at high temperatures to effectively block oxygen and heat and prevent the spread of fire—but also serve as plasticizers. Certain varieties improve the flexibility and processing performance of materials, making them easier to mold. As a result, OPFRs are commonly applied in consumer goods.
1. Main Types of OPFRs
- Alkyl phosphates: such as Trimethyl phosphate, Triethyl phosphate
- Halogenated phosphates: such as Tris(2-chloropropyl) phosphate, Tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate
- Condensed phosphates: such as Bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate)
- Phenyl phosphates: such as Triphenyl phosphate, Resorcinol bis(diphenyl phosphate)
2. Applications of OPFRs
- Plastics industry: Used in PVC, PS, PP, and other materials to enhance flame resistance in wires, cables, building insulation materials, and plastic pipes.
- Electronics: Applied to components such as casings and circuit boards to prevent fires caused by overheating or short circuits, ensuring the safe operation of devices.
- Textiles: Used for flame retardant finishing of fibers like cotton, linen, and viscose. These treatments are durable, minimally affect the fabric’s color, fastness, or feel, and are suitable for products like curtains, bedding, and clothing.
- Building materials: Incorporated into insulation materials, coatings, and sealants to improve fire resistance and slow fire spread.
3. Regulations on OPFRs
While OPFRs play a critical role across various industries, their persistence in the environment, bioaccumulative properties, and adverse health effects have prompted many countries and regions to implement strict regulatory measures. The main regulatory actions include:
1) European Union REACH regulation
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OPFRs
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CAS No.
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SVHC List
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Annex XVII Restricted Substances List
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Tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP)
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115-96-8
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√
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Trixylyphosphate (TXP)
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25155-23-1
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√
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Triphenyl Phosphate (TPP)
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115-86-6
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√
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Tris (2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate (TRIS)
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126-72-7
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No use
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Tris (1-aziridinyl)-phosphine oxide (TEPA)
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545-55-1
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No use
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2) United States
- Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented control measures for substances like TCEP and Tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TDCPP). These measures include mandatory reporting requirements and usage restrictions.
- California Proposition 65
Both TCEP and TDCPP are listed under California Proposition 65 as carcinogens or substances with reproductive toxicity. Products containing these compounds are required to display warning labels.
Balancing performance with safety remains the key direction for the future development of organophosphate flame retardants.
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