Low PAH thermal carbon black to meet regulatory requirements
by Ed Norton and Sophie Marcotte, Cancarb
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are present as impurities in the raw materials used for rubber and plastic compounding, particularly in carbon black and extender oils. PAHs have the potential to cause adverse health effects, and while there is confirmation that these chemicals are not bioavailable once compounded into goods, the in-place legislation regulates the PAHs in raw and/or final materials (refs. 1- 3). Given these regulatory requirements, it is advantageous to make low PAH products available to the industry; in particular, for consumer rubber goods.