EC proposes cuts in carcinogenic oils in tyres

The European Commission has adopted a proposal to restrict the use of certain carcinogenic extender oils in the production of tyres. The measures should also help to ensure that a single market for tyres is maintained. Extender oils are used in the manufacture of tyres as softeners and can contain high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can damage human health.

The Commission proposes a maximum limit of 10 ppm for PAHs in extender oils used in the manufacture of tyres. Both the oil industry and the tyre industry have agreed to phase out the production and use of PAH-rich extender oils over a transition period of several years. The Commission will now work on the adoption of test methods to allow the identification of tyres that do not conform with the requirements of this Directive.