Exhaustive characterization of (semi-)volatile organic contaminants in car dust using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-Time-of-flight mass spectrometry

This work represents the first reported effort to build an extensive database of the organic volatile and semivolatile contaminants present in car dust as a result of migration from materials used in auto-manufacturing. Untargeted analysis of car dust samples has been performed using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography combined with time-of-fight mass spectrometry (GC?GC -ToF MS) after generic sample preparation. The enhanced separation power and structural confirmation capabilities provided by this technique have been used for the either positive or tentative identification of 245 GC-amenable compounds, a number of them being identified for the first time in this type of matrix. Information concerning 5 compounds remaining unidentified has also been provided. Results have been summarised in a searchable database containing chromatographic, mass spectral and normalised abundances calculated for the detected analytes in the ten investigated car dusts used to discuss the main findings of the study. Results are expected to serve other researcher to take decisions concerning priority analytes for further evaluation in this research field and for car manufacturers who might search for safer materials.

Automated summary

This study is the first reported effort to build an extensive database of organic volatile and semivolatile contaminants in car dust, with 245 compounds tentatively identified using GC?GC -ToF MS technology. The results have been summarized in a searchable database to aid further evaluation of priority analytes by other researchers and car manufacturers seeking safer materials.