Dosage of PBDE, Chloroalkanes, Perchlorates

The determination of PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers), chloroalkanes (SCCP, MCCP) and perchlorates is an essential step in monitoring the presence of substances of concern in the environment, polymeric materials, packaging and various consumer products.

• PBDEs : These brominated flame retardants are still detected in plastics, textiles, and electronic equipment. Although they have been progressively restricted by European regulations, they persist in the environment and have toxic effects, particularly on the endocrine system and neurological development.
• Chloroalkanes (SCCP, MCCP) : widely used as additives in lubricants, plasticizers or flame retardants, they are now classified as substances of concern due to their bioaccumulation and toxicity.
• Perchlorates : primarily derived from fertilizers, explosives, and disinfectants, they sometimes contaminate soil, drinking water, and certain foodstuffs. Their presence is strictly regulated in the European Union.

Analytical methods

The measurement of these substances relies on highly sensitive chromatographic methods:

• GC-MS/MS for PBDEs and chloroalkanes, allowing precise quantification of halogenated compounds.
• LC-MS/MS for perchlorates, offering reliable detection even at very low concentrations in complex matrices.

These analyses are suitable for both polymeric materials and packaging as well as environmental matrices (water, soil, sediments, air).

Affected matrices

• Industrial products : plastics, resins, recycled polymers, treated textiles.
• Electronic equipment : printed circuit boards, insulators, flame-retardant coatings.
• Agricultural raw materials : fertilizers, soils, groundwater contaminated by perchlorates.
• Foodstuffs : fruits, vegetables, cereals and processed products exposed to contamination.

Industrial applications

• Environmental control : monitoring of sites polluted by PBDEs, chloroalkanes or perchlorates.
• Regulatory compliance : compliance with European standards such as REACH, RoHS and Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011 for food contact materials.
• Quality control of recycled materials : detection of prohibited or restricted substances in plastic recycling streams.
• Health assessment : ensuring the safety of finished products by limiting consumer exposure to these persistent contaminants.

Additional analyses

The measurement of PBDEs, chloroalkanes and perchlorates can be combined with other analyses to enhance compliance and traceability:

• Determination of phthalates in polymers and plastic packaging.
• Determination of bisphenol A and derivatives used in certain plastics and resins.
• NIAS assay to identify unintentionally added substances.
• Specific migration tests to measure the transfer of regulated compounds into food products.

Regulations and quality issues

• PBDEs : their use is prohibited in many products according to the RoHS directive, but their detection remains essential in old or recycled materials.
• Chloroalkanes : short chains (SCCPs) are classified as substances of very high concern (SVHCs) by REACH and restricted by the Stockholm Convention.
• Perchlorates : their content is regulated in drinking water and certain foodstuffs by the European Union.

Controlling these contaminants is essential to anticipate controls, secure market entry and demonstrate compliance to the authorities.

YesWeLab expertise

YesWeLab relies on a network of ISO 17025 accredited laboratories, some of which are COFRAC accredited, specializing in the analysis of persistent organic pollutants and regulated contaminants. Our digital platform simplifies access to analyses: online request, quick quote, sample tracking, and centralized results.

Since 2020, many manufacturers, distributors and design offices have trusted YesWeLab for their contaminant analyses in materials and the environment.