Pah

Acronym for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) form a class of organic substances which are usually present in complex mixtures of several hundred chemical compounds of the same basic structure.

PAHs are classified as carcinogenic hydrocarbons.

PAHs are formed during the (incomplete) combustion of organic materials. PAHs are a component of fossil fuels - such as coal or mineral oil - and are released into the environment via vehicle and industrial exhaust gases. PAHs can still be found in a wide range of consumer-related products, such as toys, tool or bicycle handles, shoes or sports articles. This is despite the fact that the health risk of these substances has been known for a long time. The products contain PAHs when certain extender oils or carbon black are used in the manufacture of rubber or other elastomers.

PAHs can also be found in plastics, elastomer or rubber materials, in paints, varnishes or other coatings.

In 2010, the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) prepared a risk assessment on PAHs in consumer products. The assessment focuses on the carcinogenic properties of PAHs through absorption through the skin. One dossier recommended limiting the content of carcinogenic PAHs in consumer products to a maximum of 0.2 milligrams per kilogram. This value is based on the current detection limit of the analytical method of the German 'GS' seal of approval ('Tested Safety'). Technical progress should also be monitored and, if necessary, the limit values should be adapted to the analytical detection limit.

1. http://www.bfr.bund.de/cm/343/krebserzeugende_polyzyklische_aromatische_kohlenwasserstoffe_pak_in_verbraucherprodukten_sollen_eu_weit_reguliert_werden.pdf