ISO 14389: Determination of Phthalate Content

ISO 14389: Textiles — Determination of the phthalate content — Tetrahydrofuran method

Purpose of ISO 14389 Standard

The ISO 14389 standard specifically defines an analysis method used to determine the content ratio of phthalates. Phthalates are widely used in plastic materials such as PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) and the level of phthalates in these materials is often a critical indicator for assessing health risks. The purpose of ISO 14389 is to

Accurate detection of phthalates: To measure the content of phthalates precisely and reliably.
Environmental and health protection: To set limits for these compounds, recognizing that phthalates can be harmful, especially to children and pregnant women.
Industrial compliance: Helping manufacturers to ensure their compliance with legal regulations.

Mostly used as plasticizers in polymers, phthalates can be found in textiles such as motifs, coated fabrics, plasitol prints and buttons. It is an important problem for textile manufacturers.

In studies, different hormonal problems occur in case of exposure to high doses of phthalates. Phthalates, which especially damage the liver, kidneys, lungs and testicles, are restricted due to their toxic properties.

The ISO 14389 standard is a test method for the detection of the presence of phthalates in textile products by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) with mass selective detector. This method, which can be used in many textile products, is one of the test methods demanded especially for the sale of products in the domestic market and to Europe.

Scope and Application Area

ISO 14389 is applied specifically to determine the phthalate content in plastic products. As phthalates are often used in the production of flexible plastics, it is important to test the level of phthalates present in such products. The scope can be expanded as follows:

Plastic products: PVC, vinyl coatings, footwear, toys, flooring, automotive parts and many other plastic products are analyzed for phthalate content.
Medical devices and products: Phthalate content is also important in medical products because some phthalates can damage biological systems.
Cosmetics and personal care products: Phthalates are also used as solvents or preservatives in some cosmetics and personal care products.
Household and children's products: The presence of phthalates in children's toys and other household items can pose a health risk.

Tetrahydrofuran Method

ISO 14389 provides a method for the determination of phthalate content using tetrahydrofuran (THF). THF is a solvent that dissolves phthalates and is effective in determining phthalates in solution.

a) Sample Preparation

First, an appropriate amount of the material to be tested is sampled.
The sample is mixed with THF and dissolves the phthalates in the solvent medium.

b) Extraction and Solvent Use

The phthalates are separated from the matrix in the plastic using THF.
The sample is kept in THF solution for a certain time so that the phthalates migrate into the solution.

c) Analysis and Measurement

The concentration of phthalates is measured with various analytical instruments. Usually, gas chromatography (GC) or liquid chromatography (HPLC) is used.

Gas Chromatography (GC): A widely used method for the separation and detection of phthalates.
HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography): Allows separation of phthalates from solution.

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Determination of Phthalate Content. We also provide services on Cadmium Determination for Plastics.

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