Committees raise concern over persistent and toxic chemical in clay targets

ECHA’s scientific committees raise serious concerns over industry’s applications to continue using coal tar pitch, high temperature in the manufacture of clay targets which are breakable targets used in sports shooting.

Coal tar pitch, high temperature (CTPHT) contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), which break down slowly in the environment, build up in humans and animals and are toxic (PBT/vPvB). They may also cause cancer.

ECHA is investigating the need to prepare a restriction proposal to address the risks of CTPHT in products, particularly clay targets, that are placed on the market or imported into the EU.

More information can be found in the ECHA’s news release.