The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) said it plans to add 20 chemicals in the so-called "substances of very high concern" (SVHC) list due to their potential hazardous impact on health and the environment.
These chemicals will be subject to public consultations which will run until October 31.
"There are already 53 substances on the candidate list. Inclusion on the list imposes new information requirements on suppliers of preparations and articles containing the substances," the ECHA said in a statement.
The ECHA added that comments should focus on the hazardous properties of the chemicals, as well as availability of safer alternatives or techniques.
Nineteen of these substances -- some of which include dichromium trischromate, pentazinc chromate octahydroxide, calcium arsenate and aluminosilicate refractory ceramic fibres -- were proposed to be added to the SVHC list due to their "potentially serious effects" on health.
One substance was also being considered as a SVHC candidate because of its "endocrine disrupting properties and potential for serious effects to the environment."
