Overview
ISO 14389:2022 - Textiles - Determination of the phthalate content - Tetrahydrofuran method describes a laboratory procedure to identify and quantify phthalates in textile products using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‑MS). The method is applicable to textiles where there is a risk of phthalate presence (e.g., plastisol prints, coatings, buttons, decorative motifs) and replaces the 2014 edition with updated analytes, internal standard, and procedural clarifications.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Analytical principle: Ultrasonic extraction of phthalates from textile specimens using tetrahydrofuran (THF), precipitation of dissolved polymer with a secondary solvent (e.g., acetonitrile or n‑hexane), centrifugation, and GC‑MS analysis with an internal standard.
- Target phthalates: Method covers a broad list including DCHP, DINP, DEHP, DNOP, DIDP, BBP, DBP, DIBP, DPP, DIHP, DMEP, DIPP, DNHP, PIPP, DIHxP (see Clause 5.3 for details).
- Internal standard: Benzyl 2‑ethyl‑hexyl phthalate (other IS such as deuterated phthalates may be used after validation).
- Calibration and quantification:
- Calibration solutions prepared from 1 000 mg/L stock standards.
- Example calibration levels: 0, 1, 3, 15, 30, 90 mg/L with a final IS concentration of 5 mg/L.
- Solvent mixture for calibration: 1/3 THF : 2/3 precipitation solvent by volume.
- Notes on overlapping analytes (e.g., DINP, DIDP, DIHP) and selection of target ions for quantification.
- Apparatus & conditions: GC‑MS, airtight glass vials (PTFE septa), thermostatic ultrasonic bath (~60 °C), centrifuge, analytical balance.
- Quality and contamination control: Glassware cleaning procedures (nitric acid, acetone rinses), avoidance of plasticware, storage of stock/working standards at 0–4 °C (stock up to 6 months, working up to 3 months).
- Safety: Use of flammable/toxic solvents (THF, acetonitrile, n‑hexane) requires appropriate ventilation and qualified personnel.
Applications and users
ISO 14389:2022 is intended for:
- Third‑party textile testing and conformity laboratories performing phthalate screening and quantification.
- Manufacturers, quality assurance teams, and textile technologists verifying product safety and regulatory compliance (for jurisdictions restricting certain phthalates).
- Retailers, importers, and regulatory authorities requiring reproducible, validated test data for supply‑chain control and risk assessment.
Practical benefits include standardized GC‑MS workflows, reproducible calibration practices, and guidance for handling polymer dissolution and matrix effects specific to textiles.
Related Standards (if applicable)
- Developed by ISO/TC 38 (Textiles) in collaboration with CEN/TC 248.
- Useful to consult adjacent standards and regulatory lists that restrict specific phthalates (for example, regional chemical regulations) to align testing with compliance needs.