China Bans Aromatic-Containing Materials

Following a directive issued by China’s State Administration of Quality Supervision (November 20, 2001), China has officially banned the production and sale of all paints and coatings containing more than 500 parts per million of aromatics. The ban was based on a concern over the impact of these chemicals on humans’ health.

The directive, known as GB18581 will affect all materials containing aromatics including benzene, ethylbenzene, dimethylbenzene, toluene and xylenes. It will affect all paints and coatings intended for indoor use.

While the ban has positive ramifications for the people of China, it will certainly hurt those countries which export these materials to China.

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