Short-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (SCCPs) High Risk

A group of industrial chemicals used as flame retardants and plasticizers in textiles, leather, rubber, and plastics. Extremely persistent in the environment and bioaccumulative. Now restricted globally but still found in some products.

Health Concerns

  • Classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans
  • Liver and kidney effects
  • Potential thyroid disruption
  • May affect development and reproduction
  • Persistent in body fat

Environmental Impact

  • Listed as Persistent Organic Pollutant under Stockholm Convention
  • Extremely persistent - do not break down
  • Highly bioaccumulative in aquatic food chains
  • Found in Arctic wildlife far from sources
  • Global environmental contaminant

Regulatory Status

Listed under Stockholm Convention for global elimination. EU banned in 2012. AFIRM RSL restricts SCCPs. Being phased out but found in older and imported products.

What to Avoid

Flame-resistant clothing without certification. Older flame-retardant products. Imported leather with unknown finishing processes.

Safer Alternatives

Inherently flame-resistant fibers (wool, modacrylic), certified flame-retardant-free products, newer products meeting current regulations

Products That May Contain This Chemical

← Back to All Chemicals