ISO Publishes New Test Method to Quantify PAHs in Footwear Materials

A look at ISO’s updated test method for determining PAHs in footwear materials. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) January 28, 2022 - SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, is reminding footwear and footwear component manufacturers that ISO has updated its test method for determining polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in footwear materials.

ISO 16190 defines a test method that requires a sample to be extracted using toluene in an ultrasonic bath. An aliquot is then analysed using a gas chromatograph with mass selective detector (GC-MS).

There are several updates in the new version of the standard, including technical and/or editorial changes to:
• Terms and definitions
• Reagents
• Apparatus
• Sample preparation
• Procedure
• Expression of results

PAHs are a group of structurally related hydrocarbons that have the characteristics of persisting in the environment and accumulating in food chains. They are known to be mutagenic, toxic, and/or carcinogenic to aquatic life and humans and, because of this, many major markets enforce restrictions on their presence in finished products.

In clothing and footwear products, PAHs are usually only present as impurities from low-grade raw materials. They are not intentionally added. Raw materials that may contain PAHs include extender oils (for softening) and carbon black (reinforcing agent). In footwear, this meaning PAHs can often be found as impurities in outsoles and printing pastes for screen prints.

Published in November 2021, ISO 16190:2021, “Footwear – Critical substances potentially present in footwear and footwear components – Test method to quantitatively determine polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in footwear materials” replaces the previous iteration of the standard from 2013.

SGS Softlines Services
SGS has a worldwide network of over 40 state-of-the-art laboratories, including 10 in China, specializing in testing of apparel, footwear, and home textiles. Their committed team is drawn from multi-disciplinary backgrounds, allowing them to conduct a comprehensive range of physical, chemical, and functional testing services for components, materials and finished products. SGS helps companies ensure quality, performance, and compliance with international, industrial, and regulatory standards worldwide. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s Softlines Services. [www.sgs.com/softlines]

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full New ISO Test Method Published for the Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Footwear Materials SafeGuardS. [www.sgs.com/en/news/2022/01/safeguards-01322-new-iso-test-method-published-for-the-determination-of-pahs-in-footwear-materials]

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For further information contact:
Louann Spirito
Consumer and Retail — Softlines
US & Canada Softlines Business Head
Tel: +1 973 461 7919
Email: crs.media ( @ ) sgs dot com
Website: www.sgs.com/softlines
LinkedIn: sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail

About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 89,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.

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