Certification mark for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Scope:
All types of products to which PAH restrictions may apply.
Basis of certification:
For the voluntary German Product Safety mark, the GS mark, PAH limits have been established which are to contribute to establishing consumer safety. The test procedure developed by TÜV SÜD is based on the GS-mark requirements, AfPS GS 2014:01 PAH, on the testing and evaluation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
Key words of the certification mark:
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PAH
The certified products were tested for compliance with the concentration limits for PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). PAHs are a large group of organic compounds which are similar in structure, some classified as carcinogenic.
They are readily absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract, the skin or the lungs. As impurities in some raw materials, particularly including synthetic softeners and carbon black, PAHs unintentionally make their way into products made of rubber and plastics, various types of plastics such as ABS and PP, various types of paints/coatings and natural materials.
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Safety tested
The voluntary certification mark with the statement “Safety tested” is issued for products, indicating that the product was tested and certified by the independent third-party organisation of TÜV SÜD Product Service for conformity with the essential technical safety requirements.
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Production monitored
Periodic surveillance of the manufacture of a product constitutes the basic premise for certification that includes the award of a certification mark. Certification always requires product testing and regular factory inspections.
As a third-party expert organisation, TÜV SÜD Product Service verifies that the manufacturer is able to maintain consistent quality in line with the requirements throughout high-volume production and has established the necessary quality system, including incoming goods inspections, lists of materials and final product testing.
In addition, calibration of the necessary measuring and monitoring equipment must be ensured. Surveillance and/or monitoring covers the testing of safety-critical components and other materials used. If unauthorised changes are made to the product, the certificate will be withdrawn and the TÜV SÜD certification mark may no longer be used.
