PAHS

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs, also polyaromatic hydrocarbons) are hydrocarbons—organic compounds containing only carbon and hydrogen—that are composed of multiple aromatic rings (organic rings in which the electrons are delocalized). Formally, the class is further defined as lacking further branching substituents off of these ring structures. Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PNAs) are a subset of PAHs that have fused aromatic rings, that is, rings that share one or more sides. PAHs usually exist in petrochemical, rubber, plastics, lubricant, antirust oil and organic compounds of incomplete combustion. Some PAHs have the properties to cause cancer or gene mutation. So far there are more than 100 known PAHs, among which 18 PAHs are common (see the German standard for more details).
!Industry labels:environment, food contact materials (FCMs), electrical and electronic equipment, toys, stationery and children’s products, textiles, footwear and luggage
 
Materials/ Products
Materials that may contain PAHs:charcoal, crude oil, creosote, tar (natural); medication, dyes, plastics, rubber, pesticide (artificial); lubricant, releasing agent, capacitor electrolyte, mineral oil, asphalt (artificial); pesticide, germicide, mosquito-repellent incense, smoking, gasoline retarder (artificial); other.
Products that may contain PAHs:plastic handle, plastic packing container, rubber handle, plastics with strange odour, rubber products, plastic and rubber components in electrical and electronic equipment.
 
Regulations
Up to now, countries and regions specify PAHs requirements through regulations and other written documents:
Germany: GS certification, LFGB;
EU: REACH Regulation;
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA);
China GB, GB/T, GHZB;
OEKO-TEX? standard 100.