Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät

Institut für Chemie

Fachgebiet: Technische Chemie

Betreuer: Prof. Dr. Udo Kragl



Diplom-Chemikerin Ines Masuck
(e-mail: ines.masuck@web.de )

Exposure Estimation of Children to Allergenic Fragrances in Scented Toys

Toys are scented to highlight the product, or to displace unpleasant odors. Fragrances in general are one of the most common causes for contact allergy in children. In this work, a quantification and a screening method, both based on gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS) are introduced to quantify and screen for 24 fragrance allergens in scented toys. Furthermore, scented toys present a possible route for children for getting exposed to allergenic fragrances via skin penetration, inhalation or mouthing. To estimate the oral and dermal exposure migration tests were conducted. An analytical method based on dynamic headspace coupled to GC-MS (DHS GC-MS) was developed to determine 24 fragrance allergens in simulants. Subsequently, the method was validated and applied to real toy samples. By applying emission test chamber measurements to toy samples the emission concentration of fragrance allergens present in the toys were determined over time to estimate the inhalation exposure. For the same purpose and as alternative to the emission test chamber measurements a static headspace method based on solid-phase microextraction coupled to GC-MS (HS-SPME GC-MS) was developed, validated and applied to toy samples. Finally, the oral, dermal and inhalation exposure of children to fragrance allergens present in scented toys were calculated from the data of migration and emission testing. It could be concluded that children are exposed orally and dermally to fragrance allergens in scented toys in the range of microgram per kg body weight and day (µg/kg BW/d). In contrast, the inhalation exposure of children to these compounds is in the range of ng/kg BW/d.