Heavy Metal Contents

Ultramarine pigments are generally recognised as being amongst the safest available : for example, they are included in the US FDA "GRAS" (Generally Recognised As Safe) list for use in food-contact applications in 21 CFR § 178.3297. They are also not classed as hazardous under any EU legislation.

Customers may be interested in the levels of heavy metals which may be present in standard UPL grades. The table below presents typical levels which may be expected : please note, however, that these values do not constitute any form of specification:

Element Typical Level
Lead < 25 ppm
Cadmium < 1 ppm
Chromium < 10 ppm
Cobalt < 10 ppm
Copper < 20 ppm
Mercury < 3 ppm
Arsenic < 3 ppm
Nickel < 8 ppm
Selenium < 1 ppm
Zinc < 10 ppm

Please also note that the data above refers to "normal" use of these products eg in plastics etc : specialised applications such as cosmetics may be covered by specific legal requirements. Please contact us for further information in such cases.

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