Analysis of Phthalate Esters in Children's Toys Using GC-MS

Importance of the Topic

Phthalate esters are widely used as plasticizers in children’s toys to impart flexibility. Recent regulations by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and EU limit six specific phthalates due to health concerns for infants and children. Reliable detection and quantitation of these compounds are essential for compliance and consumer safety.

Aims and Overview of the Study

This study applied the Shimadzu GCMS-QP2010 Ultra in Fast Automated Scan/SIM Technique (FASST) mode to measure six regulated phthalates (DBP, BBP, DEHP, DnOP, DINP, DIDP) in toy samples. The method followed CPSC-CH-C1001-09.3 guidelines, evaluating linearity, precision and the ability to identify unregulated plasticizers.

Instrument Used

• GC-MS System: Shimadzu GCMS-QP2010 Ultra with FASST (simultaneous Scan/SIM)
• Autosampler: AOC-20i + s
• Column: Rxi-5Sil MS, 30 m × 0.25 mm I.D., 0.25 µm film
• GC Conditions: Splitless injection at 290 °C, temperature ramp from 50 °C to 310 °C
• MS Conditions: Ion source 230 °C, interface 280 °C, Scan 50–450 m/z (0.1 s), SIM for target ions (0.2 s)

Methodology and Instrumentation Used

Samples of PVC and PP toy fragments were cut into 2 mm squares, weighed (50 mg), extracted with THF and hexane, and filtered. An internal standard (benzyl benzoate) at 1 µg/mL enabled accurate quantitation. Calibration standards ranged from 0.25 to 10 µg/mL.

Main Results and Discussion

Calibration curves for all six phthalates were linear (R² ≥ 0.9991). Repeatability at 0.5 µg/mL achieved %RSD < 2.9. FASST mode distinguished co-eluting isomers of DINP and DIDP and prevented misidentification: a peak initially flagged as DnOP in scan data proved to be diethylhexyl terephthalate. Analysis of two toy samples detected no regulated phthalates above limits; Toy B contained DEHP at 0.011 % (below regulatory threshold). Unregulated plasticizers such as fatty acids and citrate esters were also identified via scan spectra.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Simultaneous Scan/SIM acquisition increases sensitivity and ensures qualitative confirmation.
• High linearity and precision facilitate routine QA/QC in toy manufacturing and regulatory labs.
• Ability to detect and identify unregulated or unexpected plasticizers enhances product safety screening.

Future Trends and Potential Uses

• Integration of advanced spectral libraries for rapid identification of unknown additives.
• High-throughput screening protocols combining FASST with automated data processing.
• Expansion to other regulated chemicals in toys and consumer products.

Conclusion

The GCMS-QP2010 Ultra with FASST mode meets CPSC requirements for phthalate analysis in children’s toys, offering excellent linearity, repeatability and the capacity to confirm target compounds and discover unexpected plasticizers. This method supports robust compliance testing and product safety.

References

1. Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008
2. CPSC-CH-C1001-09.3 Standard Operating Procedure for Determination of Phthalates, April 1, 2010
3. Official Journal of the European Communities, Decision 198/815/EC, 1999
4. Directive 2005/84/EC of the European Parliament, December 14, 2005