An Improved Test Method for Measuring Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Electronic Components using Zebron™ ZB-PAH by GC-MS

Significance of the Topic

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pose significant health and environmental risks due to their toxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic properties. PAHs accumulate in fatty tissues and bind to DNA, prompting stringent regulations for consumer goods, including electronic components. International standards such as IEC 62321-10 aim to assess PAH levels in polymers and electronics via GC–MS, underpinning global efforts to ensure product safety and regulatory compliance.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study evaluates an improved GC–MS test method for PAH quantitation in electronic components by comparing the draft IEC 62321-10 procedure with a refined approach employing the Zebron ZB-PAH column. The goal is to reduce analysis time, enhance peak resolution and maintain regulatory detection limits for restricted PAHs.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The sample preparation follows cryogenic grinding of components to particles passing a 500 µm sieve, then ultrasonic or Soxhlet extraction. GC–MS analysis uses selected ion monitoring (SIM). The proposed IEC parameters include a 5 % phenyl polysiloxane column (20–30 m), splitless injection at 280 °C, helium carrier gas, and an oven ramp from 50 °C to 300 °C. The improved method utilizes a 20 m × 0.18 mm × 0.14 µm Zebron ZB-PAH column, splitless injection at 290 °C, helium at 1.75 mL/min and a tailored oven program (50 °C hold, ramp to 330 °C) on a Shimadzu GC–MS-QP2010 Ultra instrument.

Main Results and Discussion

The ZB-PAH method achieved a 44 % reduction in run time (approx. 27 minutes versus 48 minutes) and improved separation of critical PAH pairs. Key enhancements include baseline resolution of benzo[b,j,k]fluoranthenes (resolution values of 1.1 and 1.3) and Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene/dibenz[a,h]anthracene (resolution 1.56). The optimized column phase and temperature program minimized co-elution and column bleed, supporting accurate quantitation.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The refined GC–MS approach offers faster throughput and higher analytical confidence for PAH screening in electronic materials. Enhanced resolution reduces false positives, while shorter analyses boost laboratory productivity. This method meets stringent EU, IEC and AfPS compliance requirements, aiding quality control and regulatory reporting.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Ongoing developments may focus on further reducing analysis time with advanced column technologies and faster detectors. Integration with automated sample handling and high-throughput GC platforms could expand screening in environmental monitoring, consumer safety assessments and industrial quality assurance. Emerging regulations may also drive methods for nitrogen-containing PAH derivatives and broader organic pollutant profiling.

Conclusion

Employing the Zebron ZB-PAH column in GC–MS markedly improves PAH analysis by accelerating run times and sharpening critical peak separations. This robust method fulfills current certification standards for electronic component safety and supports evolving regulatory demands.

Reference

1. Abdel-Shafy HI, Mansour MSM. A review on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: Source, environmental impact, effect on human health and remediation. Egyptian Journal of Petroleum. 2015.
2. Huang L, Chernyak SM, Batterman SA. PAHs, nitro-PAHs and biomarkers in sediments of southern Lake Michigan, USA. Sci Total Environ. 2014;487:173–186.
3. IARC. Some Non-heterocyclic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Some Related Exposures. IARC Monographs Vol.92; 2010.
4. Kaminski NE et al. Casarett and Doull’s Toxicology: the basic science of poisons. 7th ed. McGraw-Hill; 2008.
5. Choi H et al. International studies of prenatal exposure to PAHs and fetal growth. Environ Health Perspect. 2006.
6. European Commission. Regulation (EU) No 1272/2013 amending REACH Annex XVII as regards PAHs. 6 Dec 2013.
7. IEC. Draft IEC 62321-10 Ed.1.0: Determination of PAHs in polymers and electronics by GC–MS. IEC; 2018.
8. AfPS. GS Specification AfPS GS 2014:01 PAK: Testing PAHs under ProdSG. 2014.
9. U.S. DHHS ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for PAHs. Aug 1995.
10. Swedish Chemicals Agency. Analyses with enforcement 2016; 2017.