SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 078.24 to provide stakeholders with an overview of the US state of Maryland’s regulation of lead and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in playground surfacing materials.

Maryland’s governor signed HB 1147 (Chapter 488) into law on May 9, 2024. This amends Code of Maryland Environmental Title 6 by adding subtitle 16A ‘Playground Surfacing Materials’. Under the terms of the bill, lead will have a requirement of no more than 90 ppm and intentionally added PFAS will be prohibited. Both requirements will come into effect on October 1, 2024.

The law has the following definitions:
• ‘PFAS chemicals’ – a class of fluorinating organic chemicals that contain at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom
• ‘Playground’ – a public outdoor recreation area for children equipped with one or more play structures
• ‘Playground surfacing materials’ – products, materials, or substances used or installed on the ground surface of a playground that come into direct contact with a person

SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory and market changes that may impact their business. SafeGuardS 078.24 contains a summary of the new regulations and includes details of the requirements for compliance, as well as details of the product types already regulated for PFAS in Maryland.

Stakeholders should review SGS’s original SafeGuardS 078.24 for more details.

SGS Chemical Testing
SGS offers a comprehensive range of testing services to help manufacturers and suppliers ensure their products are safe and comply with national and international regulations concerning harmful chemicals. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS Chemical Testing Services. [www.sgs.com/en/services/chemicals-testing]

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Maryland, USA, Regulates Certain Chemicals in Playground Surface Materials SafeGuardS. [www.sgs.com/en/news/2024/05/safeguards-7824-maryland-usa-regulates-certain-chemicals-in-playground-surface-materials]

Subscribe here, www.sgs.com/subscribesg, to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.

For further information contact:

Dr. HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: (+852) 2774 7420

Melanie Tamayo
Senior Technical Manager, SGS NA.
Tel: (+1) 312 414 9394

Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products

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