Simultaneous determination of brominated and phosphate flame retardants in flame-retarded polyester curtains by a novel extraction method

The use of novel brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and phosphate-based flame retardants (PFRs) has increased as substitutes for hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) in many consumer products. To facilitate collection of data on chemicals used as flame retardants in textiles and fabrics, we developed an analytical method using liquid chromatography interfaced with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). We compared two extraction methods, one involving ultrasonic extraction (traditional method) using dichloromethane, toluene or acetone and the other encompassing complete dissolution of textile with 25% 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol/chloroform. The dissolution method extracted up to 204 times more BFRs and PFRs than the traditional ultrasonic extraction. Tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) isocyanurate (TDBP-TAZTO), triphenylphosphine oxide (TPhPO), tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP), tricresyl phosphate (TCsP), and triphenyl phosphate (TPhP) were found in 40 flame-retarded curtain samples purchased from Japanese market in 2014. TDBP-TAZTO was detected in polyester curtains for the first time. Some of the flame-retarded curtain samples did not contain any of the known target analytes, which suggested the presence of other unknown flame retardants in those fabrics. [Display omitted] •Flame-retarded curtains were completely dissolved in HFIP/chloroform solvent.•Dissolution method extracted more flame retardants than ultrasonic extraction.•Dissolution method was the most suitable extraction method for FR analysis in textiles.•TDBP-TAZTO, TPhPO, TDCPP, TCsP, and TPhP were detected in flame-retarded curtains.