ECHA Publishes RAC Opinion on Resorcinol Endocrine Disruptor Classification
Reference source : ECHA
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published the opinion of the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) supporting the harmonised classification of resorcinol as an endocrine disruptor for human health.
The RAC adopted this opinion by consensus on 5 June 2026, recommending that resorcinol (CAS No. 108-46-3) be classified as Endocrine Disruptor Category 1 for human health (ED HH 1; EUH380). According to ECHA, this is the first time that the RAC has recommended the classification of a substance as an endocrine disruptor for human health under the new hazard classes introduced in the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation.
Resorcinol is used in the production of rubber compounds, resins, plastics, coatings, wood products and cosmetics, including hair dyes. It has also been used in pharmaceutical products for its keratolytic, antiseptic and antipruritic properties.
Evidence of Thyroid Effects
The RAC found strong evidence that resorcinol can interfere with thyroid hormone production by inhibiting thyroid peroxidase. The opinion particularly refers to human case studies in which exposure was associated with hypothyroidism, goitre and thyroid hyperplasia. These effects were fully or partially reversed after exposure ceased, which supports a causal relationship. Evidence from animal studies provided additional support for the classification.
Commission to Consider Classification
ECHA has sent the opinion to the European Commission, which will decide whether to add the classification to Annex VI to the CLP Regulation through a future Adaptation to Technical Progress (ATP). The RAC opinion itself does not make the proposed classification legally binding.
The opinion is available here.