Low Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH)

Carbon black is a substantial component of most rubber goods, playing an important role in the processing of rubber compounds by delivering a variety of performance properties to the end-use product.

Actions have been taken by both regulators in the European Union (EU) and by businesses to reduce the concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in plastic or rubber parts sold in the EU after December 27, 2015. These rubber and plastic articles include a variety of consumer goods such as sporting equipment, household items, tools, clothing, footwear, and accessories, as well as toys and childcare items. 

In addition, regulations are in place or in progress in several countries to restrict the PAH content for carbon blacks used in rubber parts that come into contact with food and potable water.

In response to these changing marketplace requirements, we offer a low PAH carbon black series to not only help you comply with these new regulations, but also meet stringent performance requirements for end-use products. 

PAH CONTENT *	TEST METHOD	UNITS	MAX VALUE
Benzo(a)pyrene	Cabot internal test	ppm	0.25
For each of 8 PAH included in EU list	Cabot internal test	ppm	1
For sum of 18 PAH included in GS Mark list**	Cabot internal test	ppm	20

* Cabot internal test method requires 48 hours toluene extraction (Soxhlet)

** For products certified after July 1, 2020, GS Mark has reduced the list of PAH to 15. Cabot will continue to report the sum of 18 PAH, which covers all GS Mark certifications.