SVHCs are substances exceedingly harmful to human health and the environment. These are also often difficult or impossible to eradicate. Here are some examples:
Carcinogens (e.g., formaldehyde, chromium, silica)
Mutagenic (e.g., benzene, arsenic, acridine yellow)
Toxic for reproduction (e.g., diethylstilbestrol, immunosuppressant drugs)
Persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) and very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB), such as mercury compounds and brominated flame retardants