Analysis of Silicones Released from Household Items and Baby Articles by Direct Analysis in Real Time-Mass Spectrometry

• DOI: 10.1007/s13361-014-1042-5
• Publication Date: 2014-12-15T16:22:53Z
• Authors: Jürgen H. Gross
• Keywords: DART ion source

Direct analysis in real time-mass spectrometry (DART-MS) enables screening of articles daily use made polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS), commonly known as silicone rubber, to assess their tendency release low molecular weight oligomers. DART-MS analyses were performed on a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometer. Flexible baking molds, watch band, and dough scraper, baby different brands pacifiers, nipples, teething ring have been examined. While somewhat arbitrarily chosen, the set can be regarded representative household items, articles, other objects rubber. For comparison, two septa blanks glass slide latex pacifier included. Differences between mainly observed terms distribution occasional compounds addition PDMS. Other than that, all rubber released significant amounts PDMS during DART analysis. To provide coarse quantification, calibration based oil was established, which delivered losses from 20 μg >100 16-s period per measurement. Also, extraction molds rapeseed demonstrated at level 1 mg(-1). These findings indicate potential health hazard frequent or long-term such items. This work does not intend blame certain articles. Nonetheless, higher awareness this source intake is suggested.