1,3-DCP and 3-MCPD in aqueous extract of paper and board

Epichlorohydrin is a highly reactive electrophilic compound used to produce glycerol, plastics, epoxy glues and resins, epoxy diluents, and elastomers. The compound is included under 'Sizing agents' in the positive list of the BfR XXXVI recommendation on paper and board food contact materials.

The hydrolysis products of epichlorohydrin are controlled as follows:

• 1,3-Dichloro-2-propanol [1,3-DCP, CAS 96-23-1] must not be detectable in the water extract of the finished product (detection limit 2 µg/l).

• The transfer of 3-monochloro-1,2-propanediol [3-MCPD CAS 96-24-2] into the water extract of the finished products must be as low as technically achievable, and a limit of 12 µg/l must not be exceeded in any case.