OSPAR List of priority substances

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The OSPAR convention is a convention between countries along the coasts of the North-East Atlantic which aims to protect the marine environment from pollution. It also aims to protect the ocean from pollutants. In 2002, it therefore created a list of 42 substances of priority action after analysis of a list of 310 substances of possible concern. These 310 substances were analyzed for three criteria: persistence, toxicity and bioaccumulation. When all 3 criteria applied the substance was included in the list of substances of priority action. These substances were divided into thee groups: part A, part B and part C substances.

OSPAR action is focused part A substances. For all of these substances a background document has been made to elaborate the current environmental status of this substance and which measures should be followed by member states to reduce the anthropogenic pollution caused by it.

Neither for part B or part C substances this background document has been prepared. This is because part C substances aren't produced or discharged in any of the member states, while part B substances are only produced as an intermediate in the production of other chemicals. Therefore there is no action plan necessary against any these 2 types of substances.

Part A substances

The following 28 substances and chemical compounds are included in part A of the list of chemicals for priority action established by the OSPAR convention. A background document has been prepared for each of these substances. You can find this background document here

Part B substances

The following 2 substances and chemical compounds are included in part B of the list of chemicals for priority action established by the OSPAR convention. These compounds are currently in OSPAR countries only produced as an intermidiate for the production of other chemicals.

  • 1,5,9 cyclododecatriene
  • Cyclododecane

Part C substances

The following 12 substances and chemical compounds are included in part B of the list of chemicals for priority action established by the OSPAR convention. These compounds are currently not produced in any of the OSPAR countries.