The chemical properties of excellent stability, non-combustion, low conductivity, and difficult bio-degradation make PCBs widely applied in power supply, liquid pressure transferring, and thermo transit equipments. PCBs can be used as high efficient support for textile.

The degradation of PCBs is extremely slow in natural environment. They are long life of environmental pollutants, and can be immigrate into atmosphere, soil, and aquatic environment and then transferring along the food chain. PCBs have demonstrated as one of the chemicals which have negative effects to food safety and environmental heath.

PCB and PCT are dangerous to human heath and environmental safety, especially the products when combustion of PCB and PCT. They were limited to use in Guideline 76/769EEC, and then revised 83/478 and 85/467, in which PCBs (with exception of compounds contained 1 and 2 Chlorine) and PCT were forbidden, and the mass concentration of PCB and PCT is lower than 0.005% for materials.

What are flame retardants?

Flame retardants testing is the testing of chemicals used in thermoplastics, thermosets, textiles, and coatings that inhibit or resist the spread of fire.

Flame retardant chemicals are added to or treat potentially flammable materials, including textiles and plastics.

The term ‘flame retardant’ refers to a function, not a family of chemicals. A variety of different chemicals, with different properties and structures, act as flame retardants and these chemicals are often combined for improved effectiveness.

Product safety risks identified in flame retardants testing

While a large number of flame retardants are considered safe to use, there has been growing concern regarding the use of particular flame retardant chemicals. Therefore, it is essential for manufactures and suppliers of flame retardants, and retailers of products containing flame retardants to conduct flame retardants testing.

Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE), for example, is a common flame retardant used to reduce the risk of fire in a wide variety of products. PBDEs are present in products such as children’s pajamas and computer’s and are excellent flame retardants. However, PBDEs have been accumulating in the environment and in human bodies. Recent reports have indicated that exposure to low concentrations of PBDEs may result in irreparable damage to the nervous and reproductive systems, and therefore they are classed as reprotoxins.

Why do you need to test flame retardants?

The control and restriction of brominated flame retardants are covered in a variety of EU legislations, including:

REACH

RoHS

Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment (WEEE)