DEQ-CFW_00003432

National Institute for Public Health
and the Environment
Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport
Evaluation of substances used in the GenX
technology by Chernours, Dordrecht -
RIVM Letter report 2016-0174
M. Beekman et al.
DEQ-CFW 00003432

RIVM Letter report 2016-0174
Colophon
@ RIVM 2016
Parts of this publication may be reproduced, provided acknowledgement
is given to: National Institute for Public Health and the Environment,
along with the title and year of publication.
M. Beekman (author), RIVM
P. Zweers(author), RIVM
A. Muller (author), RIVM
W. de Vries (author), RIVM
P. Janssen (author), RIVM
M. Zeilmaker (author), RIVM
Contact:
M. Beekman
VSP ICH
[e-mail]
This investigation has been performed by order and for the account of
Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment, within the framework of
National Policy on Chemicals (M/260027/16)
This is a publication of:
National Institute for Pudic Health
and the Environment
P.O. Box 1 1 3720 BA Bilthoven
The Netherlands
www.rivm.ni/en
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RIVM Letter report 2016-0174
Synopsis
Evaluation of substances used in the GenX technology by
Chemours, Dordrecht
Since 2012, Chemours (Dordrecht) is using the GenX technology to
produce plastics (fluoropolymers). In this technology, the substances
FRD-902, FRD-903 and E1 replace the controversial PFOA substances.
No health risk is expected for people living in the vicinity of the plant
due to the emissions of these substances.
This is the finding of the RIVM. Commissioned by the Ministry of
Infrastructure and the Environment (IenM), it is investigated to what
extent the three substances are harmful to people living near the
factory. For this, the scientific literature and the information in the
European chemicals legislation REACH are examined on the properties of
the listed substances. In addition, based on both the maximum
authorised quantity and the recorded emission data that Chemours has
provided, it is calculated to what extent they are released.
FRD-903 is used to manufacture FRD-902. E1 is formed during the
manufacturing process. FRD-903 and El are emitted to the air. Like
PFOA, FRD-903, FRD-902 and E1 are perfluorinated hydrocarbons and
poorly degradable in the environment. Also, FRD-902 and FRD-903 are
causing similar harmful effects as PFOA (such as carcinogenic and
effects on the liver). These substances are, however, less harmful to
reproduction than PFOA; reproduction toxicity is the reason to regard
PFOA as substance of very high concern. In contrast to PFOA, FRD-902
and FRD-903 seem not to bioaccumulate in humans.
A safe limit value for the general population is derived based on a worst -
case scenario. The concentration FRD-903 in air stays below this limit
value. For El, information is missing to derive a limit value.. Based on
the limited available information, this substance is probably less harmful
than PFOA.
Keywords; GenX, PFOA alternative, PBT assessment, risk assessment,
REACH
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