Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) including benzo[a]pyren (BaP) and naphatalin were detected in plastic components used in a power tool by this laboratory
Until now, technical products were tested in the range of function, cost/performance ratio, authorisation and safety norms by test institutes and consumer protection institutions.
Due to more severe legislation, these tests will in future include the verification of harmful chemical substances like heavy metals, flame retardants (PBB/PBDE), diluents or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
These are of interest due to a laboratory analysis by the German Stiftung Warentest.
In May 2005 PAHs were founded in plastic parts of an angle grinder - after an intensive chemical 'tang' was recognised by the testers.
PAHs are an extensive mixture divided into hundreds of single substances.
Various exponents are mutagen, tumourigenic and immuntoxical.
Benzo[a]pyren (BaP) is the most famous and most important PAH - often used as primary substance within analytics and risk evaluations.
In this example the cable duct contained almost 0.2% PAHS, partly Benzo[a]pyren, a chemical substance which is classified as being tumourgenic.
Within the handle and the body of the test specimen, naphatalin was found - a substance which causes skin irritations.
As a result, Stiftung Warentest advises against purchase of this angel grinder.
The SGS group offers in 23 worldwide laboratories at every part of the product cycle the possibility to test plastics for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as well to check other hazardous or legally restricted substances.
SGS offers ultra-modern technology and years of experience on the field of toxic analysis within different products.
