Solutions for Children’s Product Testing

Importance of the Topic

Children’s products such as toys, jewelry and clothing can unexpectedly contain hazardous substances like heavy metals and phthalates. Regulatory bodies worldwide continually update safety limits to protect vulnerable populations. Reliable, sensitive analytical methods are essential for manufacturers, importers and testing laboratories to ensure compliance with evolving standards and avoid costly recalls.

Study Overview

This application note by Agilent outlines analytical solutions designed for comprehensive testing of children’s products. It reviews global regulatory requirements, compares advanced instrumentation platforms, and presents workflow improvements to streamline detection of inorganic elements and phthalate plasticizers.

Methodology and Instrumentation

A range of techniques is presented for both metals and phthalates:

• ICP-OES (700 Series) with simultaneous multi-element analysis and optional SVS 1 switching valve for rapid throughput and low detection limits.
• GC/MS using an ion trap (220-MS) with low-pressure chemical ionization (CI) to achieve clear molecular ions for challenging phthalates.
• Thermal desorption via the Chromatoprobe to eliminate solvent extractions and accelerate sample preparation for rapid phthalate screening.

Used Instrumentation

• Agilent 700 Series ICP-OES (720/730 models), including accessories like the SVS 1 Four Port Switching Valve.
• Agilent 220-MS GC/MS with ion trap detector and CI capability.
• Agilent Chromatoprobe sample introduction device.

Main Results and Discussion

ICP-OES offers low-ppb detection of eight regulated elements, enabling compliance with EN 71 Part 3, AS/NZS ISO 8124.3 and CPSIA lead limits in a single run. The 220-MS with CI dramatically reduces matrix interference in phthalate analysis, yielding strong molecular ions and simplified data review. Thermal desorption screening using the Chromatoprobe cuts sample prep time and solvent use by over 90%, delivering sub-10 minute analysis cycles for rapid raw material evaluation.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Future-proof compliance: Systems are sensitive enough to meet current regulations and adapt to tighter future limits.
• Productivity: Simultaneous multi-element ICP-OES and automated valve switching increase sample throughput by up to 33%.
• Specificity: CI-MS reduces false positives in phthalate screening by generating clear molecular ion signals.
• Cost savings: Thermal desorption removes solvent requirements and streamlines workflows.
• Comprehensive support: Agilent offers training and technical assistance for rapid laboratory implementation.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Regulatory demands will continue to expand global limits for new chemical classes and nanomaterials. Analytical instrumentation is expected to evolve toward higher automation, integrated sample introduction, and real-time data processing driven by artificial intelligence. Portable and field-deployable spectrometers may enable on-site screening in manufacturing and distribution settings. Emerging techniques like ambient ionization and hybrid MS systems will further reduce analysis times and increase selectivity.

Conclusion

Agilent’s suite of ICP-OES, GC/MS and thermal desorption solutions provides a robust workflow tailored for children’s product safety testing. High sensitivity, rapid throughput and simplified sample prep ensure compliance with current global standards and prepare laboratories for future regulatory challenges.