EU Introduces Restrictions Affecting Synthetic Sports Pitch Infill Materials

European Union (EU) has expanded the scope of its
restrictions on eight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in granules or
mulches used in synthetic turf pitch infill materials.

The eight PAHs are:

  • 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]fluoranthene
    (DBAhA)

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Published on July 21, 2021, Regulation (EU) 2021/119 restricts
these substances under entry 50 to Annex XVII of Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 on
Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). This
amendment restricts these substances to no more than 20 mg/kg (sum of the eight
PAHs). Batches must also be marked with a unique identification number.

This amendment includes the following definitions:

  • ‘Granules’ – mixtures
    that appear as 1 to 4 mm solid particles, which are made from rubber or other
    vulcanized or polymeric material of recycled or virgin origin, or obtained from
    a natural source
  • ‘Mulches’ – mixtures that
    appear as 4 to 130 mm (length) by 10 to 15 mm (width) flake-shaped solid
    particles, which are made from rubber or other vulcanized or polymeric material
    of recycled or virgin origin, or obtained from a natural source
  • ‘Infill material in
    synthetic turf pitches’ – consists of granules used in synthetic turf pitches
    to improve the sport technical performance characteristics of the turf system
  • ‘Use in loose form on
    playgrounds or in sport applications’ – any use of granules or mulches in loose
    form on playgrounds or for sport purposes other than as infill material in
    synthetic turf pitches

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The provisions in the law come into effect on August
10, 2022. However, under the terms of the law, granules or mulches that are in
use within the EU on August 9, 2022, as infill material in synthetic turf
pitches or in loose form on playgrounds or in sport applications, can remain in
place and continue to be used for these purposes.

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