Phthalate Determination

Phthalate determination is an analysis performed to measure the amount of phthalates in products, environmental samples, or biological materials. Phthalates are chemicals primarily used as plasticizers and are commonly found in plastics to impart flexibility. However, because phthalates have adverse effects on human health and the environment, they have been restricted under many legal regulations. Due to their endocrine-disrupting and reproductive health-impairing properties, phthalates must be present below specific levels in toys, food packaging, cosmetic products, and other consumer goods.

What are Phthalates and Why Are They Harmful?

Phthalates are chemical compounds used to enhance the flexibility of plastic and vinyl materials. Types such as DEHP, DBP, and BBP can be found in products like toys, food packaging, medical devices, and construction materials. Over time, phthalates may be released from products and spread into the environment through air, soil, and water. They can also enter the human body through skin contact or inhalation. Because phthalates can lead to health issues such as hormonal imbalances, fertility problems, and an increased risk of cancer, their use is restricted by various regulations.

In Which Areas is Phthalate Determination Performed?

• Toys and Children’s Products: The phthalate content in children’s products and toys is limited under safety regulations. Phthalate determination is essential to ensure the safe use of these products.
• Food Packaging: Since phthalates can migrate into food and cause health issues, phthalate determination is performed in food packaging.
• Medical Devices: In medical products and devices, especially those containing PVC, controlling the use of phthalates is important.
• Cosmetic Products: The use of phthalates in cosmetic and personal care products must be carefully monitored. Phthalate determination is necessary to ensure these products are safe.
• Construction Materials and Decorative Products: In PVC-based floor coverings, wall coverings, and other decorative materials, phthalate levels must be kept within strict limits.

Methods of Phthalate Determination

Phthalate determination is conducted using various analytical methods that provide accurate and sensitive measurements. The main methods used include:

1. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)

   • GC-MS is a widely used analytical method for separating volatile organic compounds like phthalates and determining their quantities.
   • The sample is chromatographically separated, and the types and amounts of phthalates are analyzed using a mass spectrometer.
   • Due to its high sensitivity and accuracy, GC-MS is preferred for phthalate determination in products such as toys, cosmetic products, and food packaging.

2. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

   • HPLC is a liquid chromatography method used to separate and quantify organic compounds that contain phthalates.
   • This method is particularly suitable for phthalate determination in complex mixtures and liquid samples.
   • HPLC detects phthalates with high sensitivity and is used to determine phthalate content in food, cosmetic, and medical device products.

3. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)

   • FTIR is used to analyze the chemical structure of organic compounds.
   • Thanks to the unique molecular structure of phthalates, they can be detected using FTIR.
   • It is used as a rapid screening method in plastic and polymer-based samples, although GC-MS is preferred for confirmatory analysis.

4. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

   • ICP-MS is generally used for heavy metals but can also be suitable for detecting certain phthalate compounds.
   • It is favored in environmental and biological samples due to its high sensitivity and ability to detect very low concentrations.

Phthalate Determination and Legal Regulations

Due to the harmful effects of phthalates, many countries and institutions have implemented regulations to limit their use:

• RoHS Directive (EU): The use of phthalates in electronic products is restricted, and specific phthalate types must be present below defined thresholds.
• REACH Regulation (EU): Since phthalate compounds are classified as harmful to human health, the use of certain phthalate types is restricted under REACH.
• Toy Safety Regulation: In toys and children’s products, the amounts of phthalates such as DEHP, DBP, and BBP must not exceed 0.1%.
• FDA (Food and Drug Administration): Limits have been established for phthalate content in food packaging, medical devices, and cosmetic products.

MassLab’s Phthalate Determination Services

At MassLab, we precisely analyze the presence of phthalates in your products with our phthalate determination services. Using modern analytical equipment and our experienced team, we provide highly accurate analyses in areas such as RoHS and REACH compliance, toy safety, cosmetic safety, and food packaging safety. Our phthalate determination service helps you demonstrate that your products meet health, environmental, and legal standards.

For detailed information about MassLab’s phthalate determination services or to request an analysis, please contact us. We ensure your products meet global standards through reliable analysis results.