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In order to further improve the level of protection for the
consumer, the BfR has proposed the further development
of PAH testing methods and the inclusion of higher mo-
lecular PAHs in the GS testing criteria. For this reason, the
institute is working together with the GS testing laborato-
ries and the ZLS – the central office of the federal states
for safety technology and the authority responsible for the
product safety act. Moreover, taking additional individual
toxicologically relevant PAH substances into considera-
tion and lowering the maximum admissible concentra-
tions, the BfR also advocates the further development of
sample processing in order to ensure the higher reliability
of the measured test results.
Toys made of rubber may contain health-threatening polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The test criteria for PAHs
in toys bearing the “GS” seal of approval have now been extended.
PAH restriction in products with “GS” seal of approval
The GS seal of approval confirms that a product meets specific legal standards
and regulations on the protection of consumers. The basis for the GS seal is the
German Product Safety Act, which governs the safety requirements for consumer
products. Since back in 2008, consumer products for which a GS seal applica-
tion has been filed have been tested for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Up to
the present, however, an individual limit value has only been in place for one PAH
compound, namely benzo[
a
]pyrene. All other analysed PAHs are only taken into
account in testing in the form of a total limit value. Based on the recommendation
of the BfR, nine additional carcinogenic PAHs alongside benzo[
a
]pyrene should
be included in future in the form of individual limit values. This would mean that the
criteria used for GS testing extend beyond those outlined in the REACH Regulation.
Product Safety
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
are
organic compounds that are formed during incom-
plete combustion processes from coal, fuel and
tobacco as well as during barbecuing. Numerous
PAHs are also natural components of crude oil. As
toxic environmental chemicals, these substances
are ubiquitous and are ingested by consum-
ers in the air they breathe and the food they eat.
In consumer products, these substances mainly
occur due to the use of extender oils containing
PAHs in the production of rubber and plastics,
which means they can be absorbed via the skin.
