Quantitative Analysis of Allergens in Perfumes

Introduction

Fragrances are complex mixtures that are part of everyday life. From cosmetics to household products, chemicals that produce scent are present at various levels, but little is known about their composition since fragrance formulas are considered trade secrets. New health concerns about allergic reactions caused by chemicals present in fragrances of synthetic or natural origin (it is estimated that 1 to 2% of the population has allergies to fragrance) have led to an increased interest in the analysis of perfumes. The 7th Amendment of the EuropeanCosmetics Directive requires the declaration of the listed 26 "fragrance allergens" (24 defined volatile substances and 2 botanicals) if they exceed specified levels. As a result, a project was initiated at the end of 2001 within the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) to develop a method for the analysis of "fragrance allergens", with the purpose of defining a way to determine and regulate their presence.

Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GCxGC) provides the additional peak capacity necessary to elucidate the composition of complex sample mixtures. Two separation mechanisms (primary and secondary columns of different phases) are employed to aid in the analysis of such complex samples. With thermal modulation (after the primary column), peak widths at the end of the second column are typically on the order of 100 ms, and fast data acquisition systems are required. A Timeof- Flight Mass Spectrometer (TOFMS) is the onlyMS capable of acquisition rates up to 500 spectra/second, adequate for the characterization of peaks with lowmswidths. 

Experimental Conditions