Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) is Chemical substances harmful to humans that exist in or accumulate within the bodies of animals and plants, and circulate in the natural environment over extended periods. Persistent organic pollutants (PoPs) are a class of naturally occurring or synthetic organic pollutants characterized by persistence, bioaccumulation, semi-volatility, and high toxicity. POPs include pesticides, industrial chemicals, and by-products unintentionally generated during industrial processes . These pollutants can travel long distances through various environmental media (air, water, organisms), crossing borders and affecting human health and ecosystems even in areas where PoPs were never used or produced, causing significant global harm.

PAHs Testing

Phthalates is a general term for compounds which result from the reaction of phthalic anhydride and alcohol. Such substances are mainly employed as plasticisers make plastics and rubber more piable. They are widely used in electronic and electrical equipment (EEE), toys, coatings, inks, garments, packaging materials, detergents, lubricants and personal care articles, etc. But when the concentration of phthalates exceeds a certain level, it may disrupt endocrine of human bodies, bringing harm to the development and health of children.

Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2024/232 of 25 October 2023 amending RoHS 2.0

On January 10, 2024, the EU Commission approved the exemption for cadmium and lead in plastic profiles in electrical and electronic windows and doors containing recovered rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in its Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2024/232 and a new entry 46 is added to Annex III to Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS).

Last month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released enforcement actions taken nationwide in 2023 to protect children and their families from health hazards associated with exposure to lead paint. Cases included an Indiana contractor sentenced to jail for violating lead paint regulations and a renovation company in Anchorage, Alaska fined $25,609. EPA's enforcement actions aim to ensure that remodeling contractors, landlords, property management companies, and real estate agents comply with rules safeguarding the public from lead exposure in paint.

On September 28, 2023, U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an important new rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), requiring manufacturers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to provide more data for better regulation. PFASs are a large class of chemically stable organic fluorides known for their water and stain resistance, as well as good insulation. They find extensive use in various industrial sectors, including food packaging, electronics, leather and apparel, construction and household applications, firefighting, and medical supplies. However, PFASs are persistent and migrate in the environment, making them difficult to degrade. They are also called persistent chemicals and have posed a significant threat to human health and the ecological environment.

On October 13, 2023, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) released the toy safety standard ASTM F963-23. Currently, the federal regulation 16 CFR 1250 still adopts ASTM F963-17.

On August 23, 2023, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) released an investigation report regarding the presence of CMR (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or Reproductive Toxic) substances in children's products. This initiative aims to provide support for the development of committee restriction measures to protect children from the hazards posed by CMR category 1A or 1B substances in children's products.

Hangzhou CIRS C&K Testing Technology Co., Ltd. officially inaugurated its new toxicology laboratory in August. Located in the Tianhe High-tech Industrial Park in the Binjiang District of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, this lab is to provide toxicological tests and research services to industries such as cosmetics, medical devices, health products, specialty foods, and pharmaceuticals.