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Testing and analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)
Current requirements
On 20 November 2007, the Committee for Technical Work Equipment and Consumer Products (AtAV) decided to include the test for PAH as a mandatory condition for awarding the GS mark. Up till now, PAH tests and analyses could be carried out voluntarily and without reference to the GS mark. As of 1 April 2008, GS mark certification of products must comply with the PAH thresholds as defined in the this table. (PDF, 23KB)
When investigating products for PAH, all (grip) surfaces which may contain PAH and that are touched or put into the mouth during intended use or reasonable foreseeable misapplication (but not misbehaviour of use) are to be taken into account. These include in particular soft polymers and rubber materials, black or dark-coloured hard polymers, coatings, lacquering and varnishes, and materials treated with conservation agents (e.g. naphthalene) such as brush bristles, leather products, bast, wood etc.
Materials only to be accessed via tools do not need to be tested for PAH contamination, nor do materials benefiting from documented risk analysis that clearly shows irrelevancy for PAH testing.
Current timescale
On 4 February 2008, the ZLS also stipulated the timeframe for existing and new GS certificates:
- For certificates, date of issue from 2008-04-01 onwards (including ongoing projects which will be completed after this date), the provision defined above is mandatory.
- For ongoing certification projects – completion before 2008-04-01, the provision defined above is recommended.
- Certificates issued before 2008-04-01 will remain valid for the time being. Within the framework of periodical control measures, the provision defined above is mandatory. In case it can be concluded that the respective requirements are not kept, the certificate has to be withdrawn immediately.
PAH test
The testing method to be used is bindingly stipulated by the ZLS (Central Authority of the German Federal States for Safety).
PAH quick test
Due to the large number of PAH-relevant materials in products, the testing costs using the prescribed testing methods can be considerable. TÜV Rheinland Produkt und Umwelt GmbH has therefore developed a PAH quick test. This quick test can be used as a partial quantitative preliminary test on PAH-relevant materials. This test can help significantly reduce the number of laboratory analyses actually needed. It can even be carried out by "laymen" under instruction. This means you can begin to take action immediately.
The test procedure, for which a patent has been applied for, is shortly to be launched on the market in the form of a PAH test kit. If you are interested, please return the attached fax reply to us so that we can send you a definitive offer for the PAH test kit as soon as it is available.
Simply speak to us - we are looking forward to hearing from you!
