Top Regulated Chemicals in Consumer Goods 

Chemical testing is the use of chemical reagents or equipment to confirm the material composition of products. Consumer goods often contain chemicals that can be harmful. Chemical testing is used to help determine the quality and safety of products, helping manufacturers/suppliers secure their supply chain.

Why do we need chemical testing?

Chemical tests are used to determine the composition of materials and detect whether they contain harmful substances. This helps manufacturers and suppliers ensure that their products meet regulatory safety requirements. Chemical testing helps protect the health of consumers and the environment. Global regulations set limits on the amount of specific chemicals allowed in consumer goods, especially in products for children.

Popular global chemical toxicity rules and regulations:

• FDCA – Food, Drug and Cosmetic ACT
• FHSA – Federal Hazardous Substances ACT
• CPSIA 2008 – Consumer product Safety Improvement ACT
• CCPSA – Canada Consumer Product Safety ACT
• EN 71 and ISO 8124 – Safety of toys, migration of heavy elements
• REACH – Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, And Restriction of Chemicals.
• RoHS – Restriction of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment
• California Proposition 65 – Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement ACT
• ASTM F963 – Safety of Toys, Heavy Metal Toxicity

Top Regulated Chemicals

Here are some of the most popular regulated chemicals found in consumer goods:

Phthalate:

A plasticizer that can interfere with the endocrine system. It is commonly used in toys, food packaging materials, medical blood bags and hose, vinyl flooring and wallpapers, cleaners, lubricants, personal care products such as nail polish, hair sprays, soaps, shampoos and hundreds of other products.

Lead (Pb)：

Lead is a widespread industrial pollutant, which can affect the functions of the human nervous system, cardiovascular system, skeletal system, reproductive system and immune system, and cause diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidney, and brain. The chemical can be found in various consumer products such as paints and coatings, alloy metals and non-metal substrate materials.

Cadmium (Cd)：

Cadmium poisoning is mainly caused by inhalation of cadmium dust or cadmium compound dust. A single large inhalation can cause acute pneumonia and pulmonary edema. Chronic poisoning causes pulmonary fibrosis and renal lesions. Cadmium is often found in paints and coatings, and metal alloys.

Mercury (Hg)：

Mercury is typically found in the production of chemicals for electronic components but can also be found in other materials. Mercury poisoning leads to a disease called Minamata. Pure mercury is toxic, most of its compounds and salts are very toxic and can cause brain and liver damage after oral administration, inhalation, or exposure. Mercury can accumulate in living organisms and is easily absorbed by the skin and respiratory and digestive tracts. Mercury damages the central nervous system and has adverse effects on the mouth, mucous membranes, and teeth. Prolonged exposure to high mercury can cause brain damage and death.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)：

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are often found in materials like coal, oil, gas, and tobacco. PAHs are toxic causing genotoxicity, mutations, and carcinogenicity. This can lead to a variety of problems, such as damage to the respiratory system, circulatory system and nervous system, and damage to the liver and kidneys.

Bisphenol A (BPA):

Bisphenol A is used primarily to produce polycarbonate plastics. BPA causes endocrine disorders that can threaten the health of fetuses and children. The European Union believes that bottles containing BPA can cause premature puberty. Cancer and obesity due to metabolic disorders are also thought to be involved.

AZO：

Azo is one of the most widely used synthetic dyes in the textile industry. It is used in the dyeing and printing of various natural and synthetic fibres and in the colouring of paint, plastic and rubber. Under special conditions, Azo can decompose to produce more than 20 kinds of carcinogenic aromatic amines and change the DNA structure of the human body through activation, causing lesions and inducing cancer.

Cotecna offers chemical testing services through its network of accredited laboratories such as ACT Lab in North America and Europe, Toby in China, Geo-Chem in India and Wimpey Laboratories in the UAE. We deliver accurate analysis through our expert teams and cutting-edge technology helping clients meet all necessary quality, safety, and sustainability standards. In addition, we offer full-scope testing, inspection and certification services for Verification of Conformity programmes in several countries.

To learn more about our services or to request a quote, please contact us.