ASTM Int'l Declarable Substances Committee Approves First Test Method - ASTM F 2617

October 3, 2008 // Published as a news service by IHS

ASTM F 2617 describes a method for screening and quantifying the amount of elements in polymers that are subsequently used in the creation of consumer products.

According to Taco van der Maten, PANalytical and vice chair of Committee F40, ASTM F 2617 provides a practical approach for testing that will ensure compliance with several Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directives, which started with the European Union (EU) legislation and was followed with several other RoHS-like regulations throughout the world that call for the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.

Van der Maten said that ASTM F 2617 focuses on raw materials being used in the early stages of polymer production but does not exclude polymer end products.

"When the beginning of the production process is safe, it's logical that when you get to the end of the process, the finished product will be safe," said van der Maten. Van der Maten also said that internationally accepted reference materials were used in the development of ASTM F 2617.

Van der Maten said that those who are involved in lawmaking, international politics and environmental law, both from government and industry sectors, are encouraged to become involved in Subcommittee F40.01 work. An interlaboratory study of ASTM F 2617 is in progress.

The standard is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee F40.01 on Test Methods.

Source: ASTM International.