AfPS GS 2019:01 Testing and Evaluation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) for Granting GS Marks

Developed by the German Product Safety Commission (AfPS) The AfPS GS 2019:01 standard defines the general specification (GS) for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

A GS mark is awarded only if the prerequisites in product safety law are met. First of all, GS certified products must comply with the basic requirements set out in this standard and, in the case of consumer products, the additional requirements set forth in the standard. Competent authorities are responsible for identifying and assessing known risks to health during a risk assessment. These organizations also have to take into account the legal regulations for the prohibition of chemicals, the food and feed regulations and the principles of the REACH directive.

The AfPS GS 2019:01 standard also specifically describes test methods and requirements for PAH content in products. In addition, the evaluation methodology has been harmonized by GS organizations.

The latest update to the AfPS GS 2019:01 standard mainly includes the following changes:

• 3 PAHs (acenaphthylene, acenaphthene, fluorene) were removed from the list and the total number of PAHs was reduced from 18 to 15.
• Category 1 now includes substances used by children up to the age of three.
• The scope of categories 2a and 3a has been expanded (expressions from toys)i has been changed to all products used by children under 14 years of age).
• Synthetic fibres, natural latex, and naphthalene-treated materials are listed as examples of materials where PAH contaminants may be present.

According to this standard, PAH contamination of materials is primarily due to the use of:

• PAH-contaminated expander oils in rubber and flexible plastics (soft plastics)
• Carbon black contaminated with PAH as black pigment in rubber, plastics and paints
• Hydrocarbon solvents (eg solvent naphtha)

PAH contamination has previously been detected not only in rubber, but also in various types of plastics such as ABS, PP, and in different synthetic fibers, natural latex, paints, as well as in materials treated with mothballs.

Among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it has given for businesses in various sectors, our organization, with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment, test for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the issuance of GS marks within the scope of AfPS GS 2019:01 standard. also provides services.