Disposable Hygiene Products Testing

Chabowska, Aneta, et al. Microchemical Journal 195 (2023): 109482.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) are persistent organic pollutants that pose serious health risks, particularly in infant products such as disposable diapers. This study introduces a novel solvent extraction of porous membrane-packed solid samples (SE-PMSS) method coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) for detecting six PCBs and five PCDDs in disposable diapers.

A natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) composed of carvone and camphor (1:1 M) was utilized as an eco-friendly extraction medium. The method involved sealing homogenized diapers in a polypropylene bag, immersing them in NADES, and agitating to extract the analytes. The optimized conditions, determined via a Box Behnken design (BBD), ensured high extraction efficiency. The method exhibited low detection limits (0.065–0.60 µg/g) and quantification limits (0.22–2.0 µg/g), with relative recoveries ranging from 84% to 114% and relative standard deviations below 15%.

The green character of the method was assessed using ComplexGAPI and AGREEprep, confirming its sustainability. These findings highlight the necessity of monitoring harmful contaminants in baby products and demonstrate the effectiveness of this novel approach in ensuring product safety. This validated method offers a reliable and environmentally friendly alternative for detecting PCBs and PCDDs in disposable diapers, contributing to improved consumer protection and regulatory compliance.

Różańska, Anna, Opas Bunkoed, and Justyna Płotka-Wasylka. Microchemical Journal 193 (2023): 109228.

Phthalates, widely used as plasticizers, are potential endocrine disruptors, raising concerns about their presence in baby diapers. This study presents a green ultrasound-assisted extraction method coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) for the detection of phthalates in disposable diapers.

The extraction process was optimized using a Box-Behnken model, identifying the ideal conditions as 5.5 mL of ethyl acetate, 10 minutes of extraction time, and 55°C temperature. The method demonstrated excellent recoveries (87–102%) and relative standard deviations below 13%. It exhibited strong linearity (0.05–10.0 µg g^-1) with a determination coefficient (R²) exceeding 0.992.

Analysis of diaper samples revealed the presence of benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) and dioctyl phthalate (DOP) in some cases, while low concentrations of diisononyl phthalate (DINP) and diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP) were detected in nearly all samples. Given that phthalates have been linked to potential carcinogenic and endocrine-disrupting effects, these findings underscore the importance of rigorous monitoring in baby products.

The developed method is a simple, efficient, and environmentally friendly approach for phthalate determination. By raising awareness of hazardous impurities in diapers, this study highlights the need for regulatory scrutiny and safer alternatives in infant care products.