|
Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH) Announces Results of New Study on Heavy Metals in Packaging
July 2007 (07B-138)
The Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH) has released their first comprehensive report on the presence of toxic heavy metals in packaging. TPCH screened 355 packaging samples for the presence of four metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, and chromium) using a portable x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer. Of the packages tested, 16% exceeded the screening threshold for the presence of one or more of the restricted heavy metals, and could be considered in violation of state toxics in packaging laws. State laws limit the total concentration of the sum of the metals to below 100 ppm in any package or individual packaging component. The majority of failures were attributed to imported packaging, either flexible heavy-duty PVC packaging or inks and colorants used for printing on packaging.
As a result of the compliance-screening project, the TPCH has begun a new outreach and education campaign aimed at increasing awareness of state restrictions on heavy metals in packaging.
The entire report can be viewed at:
http://www.toxicsinpackaging.org/adobe/TPCH_Final_Report_June_2007.pdf
Background
Currently 19 states – California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin – have toxics in packaging laws. These laws are based on the Model Toxics in Packaging Legislation (formerly known as “CONEG”). State toxics in packaging laws prohibit the intentional use of any amount of lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium in packaging or individual packaging components, such as inks, adhesives, or labels. Limited exemptions are available for recycled-content, reusable containers, and packages regulated by other federal and state laws.
State News: Iowa Adds Provisions to State Packaging Laws
Effective July 1, 2007, Iowa has added provisions to their packaging laws allowing them to issue penalties for packaging in violation of TPCH limits. Penalties can range up to $10,000 per package in violation of the set limits.
How Bureau Veritas Helps Companies
Bureau Veritas is a leader in analytical testing services, with experienced technical professionals. We can assist companies with analytical testing of finished and raw materials; and
consulting services.
For More Information
Please contact your client services representative or nearest Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services location; or visit www.cps.bureauveritas.com.
 Printer-friendly Bulletin
Click here for a complete list of our Regulatory Bulletins
Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services, Inc. (“BVCPS”) provides the information in this client bulletin as a resource of general information. It does not replace any applicable legal or regulatory requirements and is provided “as is.” BVCPS will not be liable for any indirect, special, punitive, consequential or other damages (including without limitation lost profits) of any kind in connection with this client bulletin. BVCPS DISCLAIMS ALL REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, IN CONNECTION WITH THIS CLIENT BULLETIN.
Copyright © 2007 Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved
|
