Asbestos Fibers in Thermos Flasks Trigger New EU Product Recall

Europe recently recalled thermos flasks containing asbestos fibers present in the separators of their double glass wall.

Thermos Flask Safety Compromised by Asbestos

Asbestos fibers can be present in the separators of the double glass wall of some thermos flasks. The separator is used to separate two glass walls in vacuum condition and to minimize heat transfer from inside to outside the flask. If the thermos breaks, the users may inhale asbestos fibers, which are carcinogenic. There are a number of recall cases in Europe of thermos flasks due to the presence of this hazardous substance.

Asbestos is a class of natural mineral fibers including actinolite, amosite, anthophyllite, chrysotile, crocidolite and tremolite. Asbestos fibers have good heat retaining, heat resisting and anti-abrasive properties. Asbestos has been used in various industries such as building, automobile and shipbuilding, however it has been confirmed that asbestos fibers can induce asbestosis and lung cancer.

EU Regulations and Product Recalls

According to Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), the manufacture, placing on the market and use of asbestos fibers and of articles containing these fibers added intentionally is prohibited.

Recent European recalls are summarized in a table within the latest SGS SafeGuards bulletin (http://newsletter.sgs.com/eNewsletterPro/uploadedimages/000006/sgs-safeguards-07515-europe-recalls-thermos-flasks-containing-asbestos-a4-en-15.pdf).

Reference:

RAPEX - Rapid alert system for non-foods (http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/safety/rapex/alerts/main/index.cfm?event=main.listNotifications)

About SGS Hardgoods Safety Services

Throughout its global network of laboratories, SGS is able to provide a range of services, including analytical testing and consultancy, for asbestos fibers in food contact products (http://www.sgs.com/en/Consumer-Goods-Retail/Hardgoods/Home-Furnishings-and-Houseware/Testing/Food-Contact-Tests.aspx) and other consumer goods for Europe and international markets.

Please do not hesitate to contact the SGS experts for further information.

Website: http://www.sgs.com/hardgoods

SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 80,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,650 offices and laboratories around the world.

SGS Consumer Testing Services
Timothy Wu
Technical Services Manager - Hardgoods
Consumer Testing Services
SGS Hong Kong Limited

This release was published on openPR.