Consumer environmental health

Measurement of PFAS in indoor air and investigation of source materials 

This study investigates the performance of Markes’ TD100-xr™ high through-put automated TD  instrument coupled to a GC and a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (MS/MS) for PFAS analysis. This instrument combination enables measurement of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in indoor air at a detection limit as low as 1 pg for Me-FOSA. When using sampling chambers to test materials, the PFAS they release into the indoor air can be identified, along with quantifying the emission rate of such releases.

A robust TD-GC-MS method for the determination of trace-level phthalate esters in air – Method validation and field study

Phthalates (diesters of phthalic acid) have been widely used since the 1950s as plasticisers, but several of them are now suspected of being endocrine disruptors and are classed as ‘substances of very high concern’ under the European REACH regulation. This study describes the performance of Markes’ TD systems for the GC-MS analysis of trace-level phthalates in air. We discuss the advantages of thermal desorption compared to conventional air monitoring methods for semi-volatiles.

An introduction to the use of thermal desorption for testing chemical emissions from construction materials and consumer products

This study describes the various features of thermal desorption that make it suitable for testing emissions of potentially hazardous chemicals from construction materials and consumer products. Testing product/material emissions is a multi-step procedure. It involves putting prepared samples into a test chamber or cell, collecting the emitted vapours onto sorbent tubes and subsequent analysis by thermal desorption (TD) with GC-MS. Key standard methods include ISO 16000-6, EN 16516, and ASTM D6196.

The development of construction product regulations relating to chemical emissions and how to comply with them

This Application Note describes recent regulatory developments controlling the release of volatile and semi-volatile organic chemicals (VOCs and SVOCs) from a wide range of construction products and materials exposed to indoor air. It also discusses the sampling and analytical technology available for measuring chemical emissions and how this equipment can be used to minimise the regulatory test burden and aid development of new, low-emission products.

The complementary roles of dynamic headspace and sorptive extraction in the analysis of fragranced consumer products using TD-GC-MS 

This Application Note describes the analysis of three fragranced consumer products – fabric conditioner, washing detergent and washing powder – using three sampling approaches in conjunction with analysis by thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS). As well as comparing the analyte ranges covered by dynamic headspace sampling, headspace sorptive extraction and immersive sorptive extraction, the ability of Markes’ re-collection technology to streamline method development and validation is discussed.

Direct desorption of VOCs and SVOCs from leather furnishings 

Troubleshooting problems affecting textiles and other furnishings can be extremely challenging for the analyst. Issues such as discolouration, odour, unsatisfactory or uneven resistance to wear, and inadequate waterproofing can potentially be caused by a wide range of external factors, as well as by product treatment or processing. This study demonstrates the direct desorption of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs and SVOCs) from leather furnishings, in order to identify the cause of discolouration.

Monitoring VOC emissions from respiratory medical devices in accordance with the new ISO 18562 international standard 

This document describes the monitoring of potentially harmful VOCs and SVOCs emitted from respiratory medical devices, in accordance with the recently-released ISO 18562 standard. The sampling protocol involves passing the air stream through the medical device and onto a sorbent-packed tube, followed by automated analysis by well-established and reliable TD-GC-MS protocols. Emissions from two sets of face-mask supply tubing and three nasal cannulas were compared, and all were found to emit VOCs, with emission levels being relatively high in the first 24 hours of use using direct TD with GC-MS.

Rapid profiling of VOCs and SVOCs in e-cigarette vapours for regulatory compliance and quality control

This study describes a simple, quick TD-based approach for the sampling and analysis of target compounds (such as nicotine, impurities and flavor compounds) in vapours from flavoured e-cigarettes. Used in conjunction with GC-MS analysis, the result is a versatile screening method for tackling the challenge of regulatory compliance and quality control in this rapidly expanding industry.