Determination of Phthalates in toys and childcare products according to CPSC-CH-C1001-09.4
CPSC-CH-C1001-09.4
Principle
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) developed this standard method to determine the concentration of phthalates in children’s toys and childcare articles. Phthalates are chemical plasticizers used to soften plastics like PVC, but several are regulated due to potential health risks, including reproductive and developmental toxicity.
The core principle of the method involves:
- Dissolving the plasticized material in tetrahydrofuran (THF),
- Precipitating polymers such as PVC using a second solvent (acetonitrile or hexane),
- Analyzing the extract using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify and quantify eight specific regulated phthalates.
Test Method
Sample Preparation
Plasticized components of the product are finely cut or ground into powder (no dimension larger than 2 mm). A representative sample is weighed precisely (typically 50 mg).
Extraction
The sample is dissolved in THF and mixed thoroughly. A second solvent (acetonitrile or hexane) is added to precipitate any polymers. Benzyl benzoate is used as an internal standard. The supernatant is then filtered (if needed) and transferred to a GC vial.
Analysis
The extract is analyzed using GC-MS with specific temperature and flow settings. The method uses both full scan and Selective Ion Monitoring (SIM) modes to detect and quantify phthalates. Calibration standards and certified reference materials (CRMs) are used to ensure accuracy.
The eight targeted phthalates include:
- Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
- Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP)
- Di-n-pentyl phthalate (DPENP)
- Di-n-hexyl phthalate (DHEXP)
- Dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP)
- Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
- Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP)
- Diisononyl phthalate (DINP)
Quantification
- Phthalate concentrations are calculated using calibration curves and normalized responses relative to the internal standard.
- Results are expressed as a percentage by weight (% w/w) of the sample.
Applications
- Regulatory Compliance
Ensures that children’s products comply with U.S. federal regulations under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) and 16 C.F.R. part 1307, which restrict the use of certain phthalates. - Product Safety Testing
Used by manufacturers, importers, and testing laboratories to verify that toys and childcare articles are free from harmful levels of phthalates. - Quality Control
Supports internal quality assurance programs by monitoring phthalate content in raw materials and finished goods. - Research and Development
Assists in evaluating alternative plasticizers and developing safer formulations for consumer products. - Supply Chain Auditing
Enables brands and third-party auditors to assess chemical safety compliance across suppliers and production facilities.
Specific Testing Conditions
Specific conditions concerning our testing reports