Japan METI carrying out an investigation into current status of PCBs release in organic pigments and instructing entrepreneurs to stop manufacture, import or shipment of PCB-containing pigments over the international standard
This follows an investigation by the Japanese Dyestuff and Industrial Chemicals Association (JDICA), which found that some organic pigments contained concentrations of PCB above the level permitted under the Stockholm Convention. METI has therefore requested around 1,400 companies to undertake further analysis to determine if their products contain PCB generated by the manufacturing process. Any products in which PCB is found above the permitted concentration will then be banned from sale or import.
The ministry has also stated it will initiate an expert consultation to discuss a suitable permitted level for PCB as a byproduct in organic pigments.
* Pigment: Generic term for water-insoluble or oil-insoluble powder used for coloring. Organic pigments are those comprising organic compounds.
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This news item was sourced from Chemical Watch:http://chemicalwatch.com/9988/japan-instructs-manufacturers-to-check-for-pcbs