European REACH regulation bans tritons and its derivates

REACH stands for “Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals“.

It was issued in 2007 to further protect human health and the environment from all hazards arising from chemicals. To comply with REACH, all risks posed by chemicals manufactured and marketed in the EU must be identified and controlled. If such risks are not controlled, the authorities may restrict the use of chemicals.

Triton and its derivatives belong to the group of octylphenoxy-polyethoxyethanols. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) initially categorized this substance group as substances of very high concern (SVHC); as of January 2021 it appears on the prohibition list (Annex XIV).

Triton and its derivates are employed in diagnostics to improve flow properties, clarify lipemic turbidity, release protein bound substrates and stabilize enzymes. DiaSys Diagnostic Systems responded to this situation at an early stage and started searching for substitutes with the aim to avoid the use of triton or to find substitutes. Change control procedures were initiated and real time behavior of the reagents was tracked over the entire shelf life. Solutions were found for all reagents and standards affected (Bilirubin AT, Bicarbonate FS, Phospholipids FS, Potassium FS, Chloride 21 FS, Triglycerides Standard FS, Phospholipids Standard FS) to ensure the usual performance.

DiaSys Diagnostic Systems will gradually replace triton and its derivates starting in early 2020. Test samples will be offered to business partners at an early stage to ensure implementation of the regulation by January 2021. DiaSys customers, therefore, do not incur any disadvantages and do not have to initiate their own measures. With diagnostics from DiaSys Diagnostic Systems, they are in a position to meet all the increasing requirements for the protection of human health and the environment.