CMR substances are substances that are categorised as carcinogenic, , mutagenic or toxic to reproduction.
So-called CMR substances posess one or more of the following properties: C= carcinogenic (causes cancer)
M = mutagenic (causes genetic mutation) and
R = toxic to reproduction (causes issues with reproduction)
There are also the categories according to the CLP Regulation: CAT 1A (proven in humans) und CAT 1B (proven in animal experiments)
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen (DGNB e. V. – German Sustainable Building Council) is a non-profit NGO dedicated to developing and promoting methods and solutions relating to sustainable planning, construction and use of structures. The core of its activities involves the configuration and expansion of a certification system for sustainable buildings.
NVC is the abbreviation for non-volatile component; this describes the proportion of a mixture that can be designated as non-volatile. Organic solvent or water can be present as volatile components in a mixture. In the case of lacquers, the non-volatile component could for instance consists binders or pigments.
Phthalates are mostly used for softening plastics. Only after they have been added does the hard and brittle polyvinyl chloride (PVC) take on elastic properties, which enables it to be used as soft plastic.
REACH has been in force since 2007 and is intended to ensure a high level of protection regarding human health and the environment. It should at the same time guarantee smooth distribution of chemicals across the domestic market and foster competition and innovation. REACH is based on the principle that manufacturers, importers and downstream users assume responsibility for their chemicals. They must ensure that the chemicals they manufacture and distribute are used in a safe manner. The acronym “REACH” is derived from the title of the regulation: Regulation concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of CHemicals. The REACH Regulation is considered to be one of the world’s strictest chemical laws.
This abbreviation stands for “Substance of Very High Concern”; its German counterpart is “besonders besorgniserregender Stoff”. These are substances that exhibit the properties defined under REACH Article 57 AND that in a specific proceeding have been identified as a SVHC and thus included on the REACH candidate list. Article 57 of the REACH Regulation defines the following properties as particularly problematic: carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic to reproduction (CMR); persistent, bioaccumulating and toxic (PBT); very persistent and very bioaccumulating (VPVB). Substances that give rise to similar concerns (such as those with hormonal effects or substances that are harmful to the respiratory tract) can also be included on the candidate list.