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EU: ECHA launched 1st public consultation on PAHs in granules and mulches

September 2018- Relevant for: Hardlines

On 19 September 2018, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) launched the 1st public consultation ^1,3 on the proposal to restrict polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in granules and mulches used as infill material in synthetic turf pitches or in loose form on playgrounds and in sports applications.

The basis of the proposed restriction concerns human health resulting from the exposure to PAHs in infill granules used in synthetic turf pitches. Recently, use of End-of-Life Tyres (ELT)-derived granules in synthetic turf pitches attracted much public attention in a number of EU countries. This is because carcinogenic chemicals (e.g. PAHs) present in such materials and there are human health risks associated with using these pitches. However, current concentration limits permitted for PAHs in entry 28 of Annex XVII of REACH are not sufficient for protecting those people who come into contact with the granules and mulches while playing at sports facilities and playgrounds. Hence, the Netherlands, in cooperation with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) submitted a proposal to restrict PAHs in such materials under REACH Annex XVII.

All interested parties can comment on the proposal using the ECHA website until the end of the consultation period on 19 March 2019, but comments that are received by 16 November 2018 will assist the ECHA Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) in the early stages of the opinion development process.

Table A. Proposed restriction on PAHs in granules and mulches²

[1] Public consultation on PAHs

[2] Report submitted for the restriction proposal

[3] Information note on public consultation