Analysis of common and emerging brominated flame retardants in house dust using ultrasonic assisted solvent extraction and on-line sample preparation via column switching with liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are persistent and widespread chemicals. Therefore human beings are exposed to BFRs. House dust may be one source of exposure and contains a lot of xenobiotics in relatively high concentrations. In contrast to common GC–MS based methods here an online LC–MS/MS method is presented to quantify 16 BFRs in dust using ultrasonic solvent extraction as a single sample work up step. LOQ from 0.6 (tetrabromobisphenol A) to 80 (polybrominated diphenylethers (BDE 28) ng/g dust were achieved. Data for accuracy, precision and recovery are presented and are comparable to common LC–MS/MS methods in different matrices. In addition 5 real house dust samples were analyzed with high concentration (535 ng/g) for bis(2-ethyl-1-hexyl)tetrabromophthalate which is a novel alternative BFRs to replace common BDE's.

► An APCI-LC–MS/MS method to quantify 16 brominated flame retardants was developed. ► A minimized sample preparation using a column switching unit was applied. ► BFRs could be quantified up to 535 ng/g in 5 house dust samples.