Is “clay target for shooting” a matter of concern?
Risk Assessment Committee of ECHA supports the proposal to restrict polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in clay targets for shooting. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are group of chemicals that are present naturally in coal, crude oil, and gasoline. They are produced from burning coal, oil, gas, wood, garbage, and tobacco. In the air, PAHs have a tendency to bind with or form small particles. PAHs are toxic and very persistent substances that can cause serious health issues in humans and animals. Many PAHs are also known to be carcinogenic. Clay target shooting is a sport involving shooting at special flying targets known as clay targets. Different types of binders are used to manufacture clay targets. PAHs are part of binders used to produce clay targets. RAC points out that at least 270 tons of PAHs per year are estimated to be released to the environment from PAH-containing clay targets. And these are shattered by the gunshot into the open environment and cause serious contamination. Besides environmental risks, RAC justifies restriction as it will reduce exposure and related cancer risk for workers and the public handling. The restriction aims to prevent further environmental emissions of these toxic substance. By applying risk management measures, the proposed restriction will reduce the identified risks by 99 % in a reasonable timeframe. The proposed concentration limit of restriction is 0.005 % weight by weight for the sum of 18 indicator PAHs after a one-year transition with a 1 % concentration limit. To avoid serious health issues of humans and to protect environment, the Commission has requested ECHA to prepare an Annex XV dossier on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) binders in clay targets for shooting. According to its draft opinion, the Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) also supports this restriction. The 60-day consultation period on the draft opinion ends on 14 November 2022. For information on the above PAHs restriction details, talk out to one of our material compliance specialists today!
Restrictions on 8 Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
According to a study done by ECHA, rubber granules are generally used to fill synthetic sports pitches. Most of these rubber granules come from recycled tires. The granules and mulches also contain hazardous chemicals such as phthalates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can cause the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). As a result, rainwater and other sources of microplastic pollution are also affected. Rubber mulches and granules are also used in golf courses, shooting ranges, and other athletic sports complexes. The rubber matrix in these tires contains 8(PAHs) listed below: Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), Benzo[e]pyrene (BeP), Benzo[a]anthracene (BaA), Chrysene (CHR), Benzo[b]fluoranthene (BbFA), Benzo[j]fluoranthene (BjFA), Benzo[k]fluoranthene (BkFA), Dibenzo[a,h]anthracene (DBAhA) Why restriction on these 8 PAHs? Increased cancer risk (classified as Carcinogenic cat 1B) Skin sensitizers Reproductive toxic on regular usage of these synthetic turfs When the proposal was submitted, the Dutch authority RIVM reduced the concentration limit for two of the PAHs (BaP and DBAnoA) to 17 mg/kg, from 100 mg/kg for two of the PAHs (BaP and DBAnoA) and 1 000 mg/kg for the six remaining PAHs (BeP, BaA, CHR, BbFA, BjFA, BkFA). From August 10, 2022, ECHA will restrict the use of these granules or mulches as infill material if they contain more than 20 mg/kg of any of the mentioned PAHs. In addition, batch labeling of these PAHs is mandated for their safe use. Due to the fact that these also result in microplastic pollution, ECHA suggests further studies, as well as the following safe practices to reduce the impact of playing on synthetic turf: Wash hands immediately after playing Any wounds to be cleaned and treated immediately Do not swallow anything fallen on the ground Do you want to know how this proposal affects your business, talk to one of our compliance specialists today!