BfR | Annual Report 2013
58
German “GS” seal of approval: further
development of test criteria for PAHs
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are regularly
detected in consumer products. This is typically the case
in materials like rubber or elastic plastics, but products
like tattooing inks or textiles may also contain PAHs. Black
materials are often affected if they are dyed using carbon
black contained PAHs. Numerous PAH compounds have
carcinogenic effects. The BfR therefore advocates the
minimisation of consumer exposure and calls for a reduc-
tion in the PAH concentrations in consumer products – to
the extent that this is possible based on the current state
of the art in science and technology.
The proposals of the BfR have already been incorporated
in the European chemicals regulation REACH. While there
are currently no stipulations under REACH for maximum
PAH concentrations in consumer products, regulations
will be introduced at the end of 2015 that for the first time
define limit values for eight PAH compounds classified as
carcinogenic: from this date, consumer products will gen-
erally only be able to contain a maximum 1 milligram per
kilogram (mg/kg) of each individual PAH compound, with
a limit of 0.5 mg/kg of each individual compound for toys
and products for small children. This applies to the PAH
compounds that are classified as carcinogenic, namely
benzo[
a
]pyrene, benzo[
e
]pyrene, benzo[
a
]anthracene,
benzo[
b
]fluoranthene, benzo[
j
]fluoranthene, benzo[
k
]
fluoranthene, chrysene and dibenzo[
a,h
]anthracene.
In addition to its involvement in the ongoing development
of the legal provisions of the REACH Regulation, the BfR
also provides advice on the definition of the test criteria
for the “GS” (Geprüfte Sicherheit – certified safety) seal of
approval. The GS seal of approval confirms that a product
meets the requirements of the German product safety act
and therefore complies with specific standards and stipu-
lations for the protection of the consumer. The test criteria
are more extensive than the requirements outlined in the
REACH Regulation: toys that are in contact with the skin for
longer periods of time or which are designed to come into
contact with the skin may in future only contain a maximum
0.2 mg/kg of the eight mentioned PAH compounds that
are classified as carcinogenic. This figure is based on the
detection limit for these compounds currently achieved
by the testing laboratories. In future, the restriction is also
to apply to two further PAHs in these products, namely
benzo[
g,h,i
]perylene and indeno[1,2,3-
cd
]pyrene. These
PAH compounds are currently not legally classified as car-
cinogens, but there are clear indications that they have a
carcinogenic effect. The new limit values are scheduled
for introduction in 2015.
Product safety is an important part of consumer protection and looks at questions like: how can a toy or a
cosmetic product pose a risk to consumer health? The Chemicals and Product Safety Department not only
investigates the substances used in these products but also how the substances are released. Because
whether any of the many different products presents a health risk primarily depends on how consumers
come into contact with the substances it contains. The committee for consumer products, the committee
for cosmetics and the National Reference Laboratory for substances that come into contact with food are
attached to the department.
Product Safety
