PAHs in toys and childcare products - Miljøstyrelsen

classified PAHs (see table 2.1) in the new toy directive must have a
concentration limit on 0.1% w/w or less depending on the specific
classification limit.
2.6.3 Ecolabelling
Besides the restriction in REACH and the new toy safety directive
2009/48/EC, criteria have also been laid down under the Nordic
Environmental labelling scheme. So-called Ecolabelling criteria have been
developed for two product groups relevant for exposure to PAHs. The
product groups are:
� Toys (Nordic Ecolabelling, 2009)
� Vehicle tyres (Nordic Ecolabelling, 2010)
2.6.3.1 Toys
The Nordic Ecolabelling criteria for toys contains requirements to a number
of materials e.g. plastic and rubber, textiles, skins and leather, wood and wood
based materials etc. For plastics and rubber one of the criteria focuses on
additives. Criteria R5 is presented in the box below (Nordic Ecolabelling,
2009).
R5 Additives to plastic and rubber
The following additives must not be actively added to plastics/plastic parts and rubber:
substances classified in any of the following hazardous classification lists (actual risk
phrases in brackets):
May cause cancer with symbol T (R45, R49)
May cause cancer with symbol Xn (R40)
May impair infertility with symbol T (R60, R61).
May impair infertility with symbol Xn (R62, R63)
May cause heritable genetic damage with symbol T (R46)
May cause heritable genetic damage with symbol Xn (R68).
In accordance with regulations in force in any Nordic country and/or with the EU
classification system Directive 67/548/EEC (with adaptations and amendments).
substances based on lead, cadmium, mercury and their compounds and organotin
compounds
phthalates
halogenated organic compounds
Bisphenol A
Tin organic compounds are defined as compounds in which tin is bound directly to the
carbon atom.
Eco labelling is therefore a good tool for supporting the new toy directive as
the producers of toys, that are approved to such a labelling, have taken an
extended responsibility that the quality of the materials used in the production
of toys follows the legislation. Thereby the eco labelling will contribute as an
additionally insurance of the quality of the product by controlling the whole
production chain in relation to the producer as well as the consumer.
The criteria concerning hazardous classification of additives may be relevant
for PAHs in toys added as mixtures (e.g. extender oils). Extender oils
containing e.g. more than 0.01 %w/w of benzo(a)pyrene has to be classified as
hazardous and labelled by CARC2, R45. Eco labelled products must not
contain oils that are classified due to their content of PAHs.
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