Evaluation of PAHs in products according to AfPS GS 2019:01 PAK

German Product Safety Act (ProdSG)
PAHs
Testing lab
Chemical lab
Legislation
REACH Regulation (EC) 1907/2006
Testing standard

AfPS GS 2019:01 PAK 

Principle

The principle of AfPS GS 2019:01 PAK is to:

  1. Identify and quantify PAHs in consumer products, especially those with skin contact or oral exposure potential.
  2. Assess health risks by comparing detected PAH levels to established limit values.
  3. Ensure that products meet GS mark safety requirements regarding chemical safety.

PAHs are potentially carcinogenic and mutagenic. This standard addresses the presence of 8 or 15 priority PAHs, including:

  • Benzo[a]pyrene
  • Naphthalene
  • Chrysene
  • Benzo[b]fluoranthene
  • and others as defined by REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006

Test Method

1. Sample Preparation

  • The product is examined to determine relevant material categories (e.g., rubber, plastic, coated surfaces).
  • Representative sample material is taken, especially from contact surfaces (skin or oral).

2. Extraction

  • Solvent extraction is performed, typically using toluene or other appropriate solvents.
  • The extraction is done under controlled conditions (e.g., time, temperature) to ensure full PAH recovery.

3. Analysis

  • Analysis is typically done using:
    • Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
      or
    • Gas Chromatography–Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID)

4. Quantification

  • Target PAHs are quantified, and results are reported in mg/kg (ppm).
  • Detection limits and quantification thresholds must comply with the standard's sensitivity requirements.
crashing toys

Applications

  • Toys
  • Tools (e.g., power tool grips)
  • Sports equipment
  • Footwear
  • Handles, steering wheels, buttons
  • Any plastic, rubber, or coated parts that come into skin or oral contact

Evaluation Categories

Products are classified into 3 categories based on type and duration of contact:

Category Description Benzo[a]pyrene limit Total of 8 PAHs Total of 15 PAHs
Category 1 Materials intended for long-term skin contact (e.g., handles, grips, clothing, toys) ≤ 0.2 mg/kg ≤ 1.0 mg/kg ≤ 1.0 mg/kg
Category 2 Materials with repeated but not prolonged skin contact ≤ 0.5 mg/kg ≤ 5.0 mg/kg ≤ 10.0 mg/kg
Category 3 Materials with no or negligible contact with skin or oral cavity ≤ 1.0 mg/kg ≤ 10.0 mg/kg ≤ 20.0 mg/kg

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