Compatible Pantum toner cartridges have excessive decaBDE levels
May 24, 2023
Chemical structure of a molecule of decabromodiphenyl ether (DecaBDE), a brominated flame retardant.
The compatible Pantum cartridges were discovered on sale in Romania and, when tested, were found to contain excessive levels of decaBDE and appear to lack RoHS or REACH certification.
Compatible Pantum toner cartridges that are widely available in Romania were found to contain higher than permitted levels of decaBDE, a toxic flame retardant. The cartridges also appear to lack certification for compliance with RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) or REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) standards. This revelation raises concerns about the potential health and environmental hazards of using these cartridges.
The Recycler understands that the exclusive Pantum dealer for Romania, SKY GROUP, has been actively purchasing compatible Pantum cartridges and others and sent them for testing by an independent laboratory that confirmed the presence of an excessive level of decaBDE in the toner cartridges. The test results of the cartridges showed a level of Decabromodiphenyl Ether (DecaBDE) that exceeded 3500 ppm.
The SKY GROUP has launched a campaign on this issue to raise public and industry awareness. According to the company, “business owners in Romania lack knowledge of the law, but when informed about the carcinogenic nature of the products and the need for end users to be aware, they ignore it.” and report us for limiting competition.
One company that had received a letter from SKY GROUP lawyers told The Recycler that they had been unaware of the problem but had stopped selling the compatible Pantum toners because of this issue and had also become aware that the cartridges are not RoHS and REACH certified.
decaBDE was first discovered in Europe in compatible cartridges in the summer of 2018. In February 2019, the Romanian presidency of the European Council reached a provisional agreement with the European Parliament on updating regulations on POPs, including brominated-flame retardant DecaBDE, which is prohibited in WEEE products.
DecaBDE is a chemical compound used as a flame retardant in electronic and electrical equipment. Prolonged exposure to decaBDE has been associated with adverse health effects, including endocrine disruption, developmental delays, and potential carcinogenic properties.
Improper disposal of such cartridges could release harmful substances into soil and water sources, further exacerbating the potential ecological impact.
Last week we contacted ECHA, the European Chemicals Agency, Pantum and the Romanian authorities for comment but had not received a response at the time of publication.
Update: This article was updated at 18:40 with grammar corrections and added background.
Categories : World Focus
