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 each of these substances a background document has been made to elaborate their current environmental status and which measures should be followed by member states to reduce anthropogenic pollution by these substances.

Neither for part B or part C substances such a 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 no action plan against any these 2 types of substances is necessary .

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.