Issues of particular interest
- Granules and mulching materials in sports grounds and playgrounds
A restriction dossier has been submitted by the Netherlands. They recommend lowering the combined concentration limit of these eight PAHs present in crushed rubber residues and mulch materials used in synthetic carpet sports grounds, playgrounds and other sports facilities to 17 mg/kg.The current concentration limits in products available to the general public have been set at 100 mg/kg for two of the PAHs (BaP and DBAhA) and at 1 000 mg/kg for the remaining six PAHs (BeP, BaA, CHR, BbFA, BjFA, BkFA).
- Tattoo inks and permanent makeup.
Tattoo inks and permanent make-up may contain dangerous substances which are known or suspected to cause cancer, genetic mutations, toxic effects on reproduction, allergies or other adverse effects on animals or humans.
In October 2017, ECHA submitted to the Committee for Risk Assessment ('RAC') and to the Committee for Socio-economic Analysis ('SEAC') a restriction proposal in the context of the evaluation of those substances. ECHA's analysis was based on previous reports issued by the European Commission and the Council of Europe.
- Microplastics.
Microplastics are very small particles of plastic material (usually smaller than 5 mm). When released into the environment, they can accumulate from animals, e.g. fish and shellfish, and end up on the consumers' plate. In the light of environmental and human health concerns, the European Commission has asked the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to assess the scientific evidence for regulatory action at EU level on microplastics intentionally added to all types of products under the REACH Regulation on the restriction of substances.