European Commission asks the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to assess potential risks in playgrounds. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in synthetic turf infill materials will be reviewed for potential risks by ECHA.

The European Commission (EC) ordered the agency to analyze any dangers to children in a letter dated January 6 to ECHA executive director Sharon McGuinness.

The study's scope includes loose mulches and granulated PAHs used in playgrounds, gardens and landscaping. According to the EC, the assessment's goal is to determine if the respective applicable concentration limits for eight PAHs found in infill materials are effective. The request follows an EC decision in July 2021 to lower the concentration limit of PAHs in synthetic turf infill materials from 100mg/kg to 20mg/kg.

By the end of February, ECHA hopes to have completed a preliminary risk screening analysis based on reasonable worst-case scenarios and accessible information.

If the initial screening indicates that risks from PAHs in granules “are not adequately controlled,” ECHA will prepare a dossier proposing restrictions to address the identified risks by January 2024.

Source: European Rubber Journal.