We developed an analytical method for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) used as film-forming agents or anti-freeze agents in water-based paints by flame ionization detection (FID-GC) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Twelve VOC components were separated using 2 types of column that differ in polarity. In addition, a pretreatment method by ethyl acetate-water partition was evaluated, and a survey of the use of VOCs in commercially available water-based paints was performed. For indoor paints, the anti-VOC measures included changes from VOC solvents to semi-VOC (SVOC) solvents such as those from 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediolmonoisobutyrate (TMPMIB) to 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate and from ethylene glycol (EG) to triethylene glycol. However, in multipurpose paints for both indoor and outdoor use, VOCs such as EG, TMPMIB, diethyleneglycol dibutyl ether, and diethyleneglycol monobutyl ether were detected. Since these products may be also used for indoor painting, indications of VOC components and caution for use on products are necessary.
The purpose of this study was to clarify the actual condition of 26 types of carcinogenic primary aromatic amines (PAAs) originated from azo dyes in commercial textile products in Japan. In the case of textiles made of various fibers of various colors, the fibers were separated by color and analyzed. A total of 86 textile products (117 samples) were analyzed. Twenty-one kinds of PAAs were detected in the samples and almost all the PAAs were detected at low concentrations. However, the concentrations of benzidine, 3,3'-dimethoxybenzidine, and 2,4-diaminotoluene (56-440 μg g⁻¹) in placemats made of cotton were found to exceed EU regulation limits of 30 μg g⁻¹. Although such placemats do not always come into contact with the user's skin, it is thought that they should be handled more carefully. Finally, 7 products (8 samples) contained PAAs at concentrations that exceeded the regulation limits. Two sample preparation methods (with and without solvent extraction) were performed on the same sample in order to compare the PAAs in samples in which it is difficult to separate the component materials, such as a cotton fabric that contained polyester fibers. In a comparison of the results obtained from the two methods, it was observed that the concentrations and/or kinds of PAAs detected in the samples were different. It was therefore thought that textile products that present this particular challenge should be analyzed by both methods.
Antimicrobial agents used in antimicrobial products are classified into inorganic, organic, and natural organic compounds. Inorganic agents, such as Cu, Zn, and Ag compounds, are known to be relatively safe, and these agents are used in many kinds of products. Patients with metal allergy and infants should avoid coming in contact with products in which inorganic agents are used at high concentrations. However, areas treated with metal compound agents and their concentrations are not indicated in most commercially available products. In this study, to establish a simple method of measuring the concentrations of metals in product areas, we evaluated screening methods using non-destructive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF). Qualitative analysis by XRF and quantitative analysis by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) were performed in the same areas, and the results were compared. Furthermore, concentrations of metals used in 40 commercially available antimicrobial products (86 areas) were analyzed. As the result, XRF was useful for the screening of Cu and Zn, but not for the screening of Ag. The use of inorganic antimicrobial treatment was indicated on 11 products, but 25 products were treated with inorganic antimicrobial agents. Cu was detected in 11 products. Ag was detected in 5 products, in which Cu or Zn were contained at higher concentrations. In 18 products, Zn was used for the antimicrobial treatment.
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