Opinion on tris(2-chloroethyl)phosphate (TCEP) in toys

The substance tris(2-chloroethyl)phosphate (TCEP) is an alkyl phosphate ester used as a flame-retardant plasticiser and viscosity regulator in polyurethanes, polyester resins, polyacrylates and other polymers. The main industrial branches in which TCEP has been used are the building industry (e.g., roofing insulation, accounting for more than 80% uses in the EU), the furniture and the textile industry (e.g., back-coatings for carpets and upholstery). In addition uses are reported also in the manufacture of cars, railways and aircrafts, in professional paints, varnishes and lacquers (IPCS 1998; EURAR on TCEP 2009, Canadian Report on TCEP 2009). However, production and use has been in decline since the 1980s, when TCEP has been progressively replaced by other flame retardants. TCEP was comprehensively evaluated under the EU existing substances regulation (EEC) 793/93 in 2009: the RAR reported that starting from 2001-2002 there is no production of TCEP in the EU, according to specific information given by industry. TCEP has been identified in indoor and outdoor air, dust, drinking water, surface water and groundwater, as well as in various food products. It has also been detected in polyurethane foam that may be found in furniture and in toys.