What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to establish a validated method for measuring phthalate levels in workplace air.

May 10, 2026Open Access

Phthalates – Method for the determination of nine phthalates in workplace air using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS)

Key Points

The aim is to establish a validated method for measuring phthalate levels in workplace air.
Simultaneous collection of gaseous and particulate-bound phthalates using a sampling system.
Air drawn through glass fiber filter and PU foam, with a flow rate set to 1 L/min.
Sample preparation involves desorbing phthalates with 1,4-dioxane before GC-MS analysis.
Limit of quantification for individual phthalates ranges from 0.015 to 0.096 mg/m3.
Quantitative determination relies on multiple-point calibration functions.
Validated measurement allows for accurate assessment of air quality in workplaces.

Abstract

This analytical method is a validated measurement procedure for the determination of several phthalates such as dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, diallyl phthalate, diisobutyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, benzyl butyl phthalate, dicyclohexyl phthalate, bis(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate and bis(2‐propylheptyl) phthalate in workplace air. With this method airborne phthalates in the gaseous state as well as bound to particles are collected simultaneously. Sampling is performed by drawing a defined volume of air through a sampling system consisting of a glass fibre filter located in a GSP sampling head and an adsorption tube filled with PU foam connected downstream using a suitable pump. The flow rate is set to 1 L/min with a recommended air sample volume of 60 to 120 litres. For sample preparation the collected phthalates are desorbed from the sample carriers (filter and PU foam) with 1,4‐dioxane. The sample solution is analysed by means of gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). The quantitative determination is based on calibration functions obtained by means of multiple‐point calibrations. The limit of quantification for an individual phthalate is between 0.015 and 0.096 mg/m3. Joint Publication of the Analytical Subcommittee of the Chemistry Board of Experts of the Expert Committee Raw Materials and Chemical Industry of the German Social Accident Insurance and the Working Group “Air Analyses” of the Permanent Senate Commission of the DFG for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area.

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