GC-MS Determination of Phthalates Added as Plasticizers in PVC Plastics for Making Toys

Six phthalates (DBP,BBP,DEHP,DNOP,DINP and DIDP) used as plasticizers for PVC plastics for making toys were determined by hyphenated GC and MS.Samples of PVC plastics were extracted with methyl iso-butyl ketone ultrasonically.An aliquot of the extract was taken for GC-MS determination.Under the selected conditions,DBP,BBP,DEHP and DNOP were successfully separated and by comparing the data of retention time,the chromatograms and the peak area with m/z=149,qualitative and quantitative analysis were performed satisfactorily.To overcome the over-lapping of chromatograms of DINP,DIDP and DNOP,measurements of peak area of mass spectrum peaks with m/z=293 and m/z=307 were used for their determinations.Detection limits (3s) of 20 mg·kg-1 was found for DBP,BBP,DEHP and DNOP and of 100 mg·kg-1 for DINP and DIDP.Tests for recovery were made at the concentration levels of 10,20,50 mg·L-1 of the mixed phthalate standards,values of recovery found were in the range of 80%-110%.