The two departments released the third list of chemicals subject to priority control

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Recently, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and the **Disease Control Bureau jointly issued the \"List of Chemicals Subject to Priority Control (Third Batch)\\", which includes 23 types of chemicals such as 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane and bisphenol A. The screening and evaluation of this batch of the ‘Catalogue’ focus on highly hazardous chemicals such as those with persistence, bioaccumulation, and chronic aquatic toxicity of Category 1; carcinogenicity of Categories 1 or 2; mutagenicity of Categories 1 or 2; reproductive toxicity of Categories 1 or 2; specific target organ toxicity – repeated exposure of Category 1; and endocrine disruption. In particular, attention is given to chemicals that are already subject to strict controls under domestic industry and import/export policies as well as international environmental conventions. At the same time, by combining data from national statistical surveys on environmental information related to chemical substances, environmental monitoring results, and literature reviews, the potential environmental exposure of chemical substances in various stages of their life cycle is analyzed to assess the potential for such exposure. The Directory lists 23 types of chemical substances, including carcinogens such as 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane and tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate, endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol A and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, and persistent organic pollutants in the form of perfluoro and polyfluoroalkyl substances such as long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids and their salts along with related compounds. These substances are relevant to industries and fields such as petrochemicals, plastics, rubber, pharmaceuticals, textiles, dyes, coatings, pesticides, leather, and electroplating. At present, the management of chemicals on the list of chemicals subject to priority control is primarily carried out in accordance with relevant requirements, through conducting environmental impact assessments for construction projects, implementing emission permit systems, and taking measures to prevent pollution of soil and groundwater. A responsible official from the Department of Solid Waste and Chemicals under the Ministry of Ecology and Environment stated that relevant enterprises should fully recognize the potential environmental and health risks associated with the chemical substances listed in the Catalogue. They should take proactive measures such as upgrading production processes and improving the treatment of waste gases, wastewater, and solid waste, strengthen control over environmental emissions, and actively develop and promote environmentally friendly alternatives in order to minimize the environmental risks posed by these chemical substances.