Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of over 100 different chemicals that are formed during the incomplete burning of coal, oil and gas, garbage, or other organic compounds. PAHs are known for their carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic properties.
PAHs can be found in petrochemicals, rubber, plastics, lubricants, antirust oil, paints, leather and other products. Rubber and plastics are high risky materials containing PAHs. Tire, electronics and toys are most affected by the restriction of PAHs in EU, German and US.
EU REACH Annex XVII has placed a restriction on the use of 8 PAHs in tires and extender oil. Tires will not be allowed to be placed on EU market if 8 PAHs exceed certain concentration thresholds listed below. The restriction also applies to the marketing of tires in EU.
- Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP);
- Benzo[e]pyrene (BeP);
- Benzo[a]anthracene (BaA);
- Chrysen (CHR);
- Benzo[b]fluoroanthene (BbFA);
- Benzo[j]fluoroanthene (BjFA);
- Benzo[k]fluoroanthene (BkFA);
- Dibenzo[a,h]anthracene (DBAhA).
From 1 January 2010, extender oils shall not be placed on the market or used for production of tires, or parts of tires, if they contain:
- More than 1mg/kg of Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), or
- More than 10mg/kg of the sum of all restricted PAHs
This Regulation is applied from 2010 by Petlas Tire.
RESTRICTIONS ON THE MANUFACTURE, PLACING ON THE MARKET AND USE OF CERTAIN DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES, PREPARATIONS AND ARTICLES
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