A public consultation has been launched at European level on a restriction proposal aimed at reducing the health and environmental risk from Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) contained in flying clay pigeons. It is proposed that 18 specific PAHs should not be cumulatively present in clay pigeon targets in excess of 0,005% by weight.
As part of this consultation, the Labour Inspection Department of the Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance informs affected industrialists, importers, distributors and any interested organisations or scientific groups that they may submit comments until 22 June 2022 on this proposal.
The 18 specific PAHs, which are classified as carcinogenic chemicals and have persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic properties, are not intentionally added to shooting targets but are contained as a residue in the high-temperature coal tar, which is used as an adhesive in them. It is estimated that the proposed restriction would reduce environmental emissions from the 18 PAHs by 270 tonnes per year.
The proposal will be evaluated by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) with the ultimate aim of including it as a new restriction in Annex XVII of the European REACH Regulation (No 1907/2006/EC). ECHA is requesting more information on clay targets containing more environmentally friendly materials and information on permitted targets in competitions other than those hosted by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), such as national/regional rules imposed by national shooting sports federations on the ecofriendliness of specific targets.
Stakeholders can submit their comments and data and access further information via the following ECHA website:
https:/echa.europa.eu/el/restrictions-under-consideration/-/substance-rev/68411/term
For further information, they can also contact the relevant officials on 22405609 and 22405608.
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