Organophosphorus flame-retardant and plasticizer analysis, including recommendations from the first worldwide interlaboratory study

The first worldwide interlaboratory study on organophosphorus flame retardants (PFRs) was organized to improve the quality of the data reported in the literature. The study involved standard solutions, dust, fish oil and sediment samples.The differences in coefficients of variation (CV) between the samples were related more to PFR concentration (with high blanks being reported by some laboratories) and less to matrix type. Not all participating laboratories suffered from blank problems, which indicated that it was possible to control the blanks.We include recommendations on how to improve analytical performance, especially to reduce contamination of blanks.

► First worldwide interlaboratory study on organophosphorus flame retardants (PFRs).
► Blank contamination is the biggest challenge in the analysis of PFRs.
► Variations acceptable for standard solutions, but not under control for real samples.
► CVs were 7–48% for dust, 13–68% for fish oil, and 15–96% for sediment (except TiBP).
► Recommendations and precautions aim to provide better analytical performance.