An easy and sensitive analytical method of determination of phthalate esters in children's toys by UPLCMS/MS

In the European Community, selected phthalate esters (PE) are restricted in their use for the manufacture of toys and childcare articles. As PE are mainly used as plasticizers for poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), a high sensitivity analytical method was developed to determine the PE content in PVC toys by using ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electronic spray mass spectrum (UPLCMS/MS). The LOD of the method is low to the level of ng/L. The method was verified by specificity, linearity, sensitivity, accuracy and precision. This research will provide a useful and convenient way to monitor the production of PVC toys.