Evaluation and Validation of an Accelerated Weathering Procedure to Characterise the Release of Bisphenol A from Polycarbonate Under Exposure to Simulated Environmental Conditions

Bisphenol A (BPA) has been listed as a substance of very high concern (SVHC) due to its endocrine-disrupting properties according to REACH in 2017. European competent authorities have prepared a REACH restriction proposal to reduce BPA levels in the environment. The proposed limit for the concentration of free BPA and other bisphenols in articles is 10 mg kg−1. If exceeded, migration testing can demonstrate that no more than 0.04 mg L−1 is released from the product or material over its lifetime. German authorities are drafting a new restriction proposal after the original was temporarily withdrawn. The residual and migration limits mentioned above were key requirements from the previous restriction proposal. Numerous national and international standards exist for assessing how environmental factors affect the physical and chemical properties of products and materials—such as notch impact strength and tensile strength—but these standards do not cover the release of pollutants. A standardised procedure that covers all aspects of artificial weathering and monitors the subsequent release of pollutants is necessary, especially in the context of the regulation of these substances. An accelerated weathering procedure was established for non-protected samples. This material was not intended for outdoor applications. The testing procedure applied a typical weathering scenario that represents Central European climate conditions. The procedure was validated and applied to samples under distinct quality assurance aspects. Released BPA is quantified via an organic isotope dilution LC-MS/MS method. In parallel, identical samples were weathered outdoors on a weathering rack. Haze and yellowness index are measured to compare outdoor and weathering chamber results.