Restrict 8 PAHs in Crumb Material Says ECHA Panel

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) September 18 said its socioeconomic analysis committee (SEAC) voted to support restriction of eight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in synthetic granules and mulches. The concentration limits would be 20 mg/kg (0.002% by weight) – they currently are 100 or 1,000 mg/kg depending on the PAH. The materials are used in crumb infill for surfacing of playgrounds and sports fields.

The PAHs are benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), benzo[a]anthracene (BaA), benzo[b]fluoranthene (BbFA), benzo[e]pyrene (BeP), benzo[j]fluoranthene (BjFA), benzo[k]fluoranthene (BkFA), chrysen (CHR), and dibenzo[a,h]anthracene (DBAhA).

ECHA wrote (bit.ly/2mpj9QX):

"SEAC concluded that the proposed restriction is the most appropriate measure to control the risks posed by these substances, and that the measures proposed would be proportionate to the risk with limited economic impacts. The proposal does not affect existing fields but will ensure that the material used for maintaining (refilling) the fields is below the new limit. The final opinion of SEAC will be published in the coming weeks."

Last summer (PSL, 8/5/19), ECHA had to deal with claims that "thousands" of fields would be closed due to these activities. It clarified that operators of such fields might incur costs in searching for and using alternatives, but they would not be required to shut down facilities.

The action originated with the Netherlands (PSL, 8/20/18), and the ECHA risk assessment committee (RAC) already has supported it (PSL, 6/24/19).