Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry determination of the migration of phthalate plasticisers from polyvinyl chloride toys and childcare articles.
Two laboratory-based linear horizontal agitation methods for determining a range of phthalate esters from soft polyvinyl chloride (PVC) toys are presented in compliance with EU legislation. Both of these methods were validated through interlaboratory trials using a PVC reference disc and four soft PVC toy/childcare articles intended or likely to be mouthed. Two of these commercial samples contained diisononyl phthalate (DINP), one diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP) and one bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Acceptable repeatability (r, within-laboratory) and reproducibility (R, between-laboratory) data were demonstrated for both the analytical detection technique (GC-MS) (r = 9.8% and R = 8.1%) and agitation/extraction procedure (r=21.9% and R = 35.3% at 37 degrees C; r = 22.7% and R = 31.1% at 65 degrees C) for DINP. This was achieved through the participation of six laboratories. The remaining three phthalates from the EU Scientific Committee for Toxicity, Ecotoxicity and the Environment (CSTEE) list--dibutyl phthalate (DBP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) and di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP)--were not tested due to the unavailability of suitable materials.
Earls
A O
AO
Consumer Safety and Tobacco Products, Room 3/8, LGC Ltd., Queens Road, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 OLY, UK. andy.earls@lgc.co.uk
Axford
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IP
Braybrook
J H
JH
D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods*; D010795:Phthalic Acids / Q000032:analysis*; D010968:Plasticizers / Q000032:analysis*; D010988:Play and Playthings; D011143:Polyvinyl Chloride / Q000737:chemistry*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D010795:Phthalic Acids; D010968:Plasticizers; D011143:Polyvinyl Chloride