X-RAY FLUORESCENCE SPECTROSCOPY (XRF) AS A PUBLIC HEALTH SCREENING TOOL FOR THE PRESENCE OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS IN PLASTICS

摘要

Potentially toxic chemicals, such as heavy metals, phthalates, and halogenated organic compounds are currently found in many consumer products and are cause of great concern. The authors employed XRF methodology in extensive testing for hazardous chemicals contained in plastic components of over 450 domestic and imported 2006-2009 model year cars, in 130 children's car seats, and 3,700 (2007-2008) children's products including toys. Over 13,000 individual samples are included in the database. Handheld and non-destructive X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF) yields data of most elements at ppm and higher levels with good correlation to time consuming and destructive traditional analytical techniques. The presentation of data includes analysis of trends in the use of brominated flame retardants (BFRs), PVC, lead, and heavy metals in plastics with emphasis on relevance to public health. Methodologies to translate the test data into a relative product rating system have been developed and published for consumer use (see healthytoys.org and healthycars.org).