Swedish chemicals hunt targets rubber products

Stockholm – Rubber will come under the microscope of the Swedish chemicals agency as it seeks out potentially hazardous chemicals that are “not yet” restricted in EU consumer products and goods.

Being launched this autumn, the government-commissioned investigation will work with consulting firms to examine the content of rubber, silicone and paper products, the agency announced 18 Sept.

"Through the new surveys, we want to get more knowledge about the content of common materials." explained Erik Gravenfors, investigator at the Swedish chemicals inspectorate in the release (translated from Swedish).

The investigators, it stated, have decided on five projects "to map hazardous substances that are not yet restricted in the EU in products and goods."

The projects are namely: Chemicals in rubber and silicone; Chemicals in paper and paperboard; Chemicals in intimate hygiene products; Micro plastic in chemical products and Chemical requirements in ecolabelling.

Findings are expected to be reported to the Swedish government in September 2018, with subsequent decision-making scheduled to be finalised in December 2020.

“The mapping can contribute in several ways to a non-toxic everyday and a poison-free environment,” claimed Gravenfors. “By increasing knowledge about the chemical content of different materials, we can also make it easier for companies to replace problematic topics for better alternatives."