European Union considers ban on PCP
The European Commission is considering proposing a comprehensive European Union-wide ban on pentachlorophenol (PCP) according to a report in Environment Watch: Western Europe. This is the result of a request from Germany that its national restrictions on the marketing and use of PCP be allowed to remain in place even though German rules are more stringent than existing European Union legislation.
At a July meeting, commission staff agreed in principle that Germany's regulations should be allowed to stand. Some aides went on to argue that if stricter rules were justified in Germany and alternatives are readily available, the EU should consider bringing its regulations up to the same standard. A report on the impacts of a EU-wide ban on PCP is scheduled to be completed by the commission's industrial affairs department by the end of the year.
PCP is best known for its use as a wood preservative; it is also used industrially as a fungicidal additive, and agriculturally as an insecticide and herbicide. The World Health Organisation classifies PCP as highly hazardous, based on its acute toxicity. Its toxicity is increased substantially by impurities in various formulations, such as chlorinated dioxins and furans.
Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark have been pushing for tougher EU-wide restrictions on PCP for some time. Austria, Sweden, Norway and Finland, which plan to join the EU next year, would also like to see PCP more strictly regulated. Other EU members, however, may oppose more severe restrictions or a ban, due at least in part to higher costs of alternatives.
PCP concentrations of more than 0.1% are currently prohibited under EU legislation, though four uses are exempted: as a wood preservative, for impregnation of fibres and heavy-duty textiles, as a synthesising and/or processing agent in industrial processes and for specific applications to buildings.
The Dutch environmental non-governmental organisation, Stichting Natuur en Milieu has led other European environmental groups in a campaign to bring the EU regulations in line with restrictions in Germany and the Netherlands. The groups are focusing on banning the use of PCP as a wood treatment in particular.
[From Pesticide Action Network North America Updates Service.]