EN 12974:1999

Surface active agents - Determination of the 1,4-dioxane content in alkyl-ethoxy-sulfate products by GLC/head space procedure

This European Standard specifies a gas-liquid chromatography (GLC)/head space method for the determination of 1,4-dioxane in alkyl-ethoxy-sulfate products. The method is applicable to samples containing 1,4-dioxane in the range from 5 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg.

Grenzflächenaktive Stoffe - Bestimmung des Gehaltes von 1,4-Dioxan in Alkylethoxysulfatprodukten durch ein GLC/Head-Space-Verfahren

Diese Europäische Norm legt ein Gas-Flüssig-Chromatographie GLC/Head-Space- Verfahren für die Bestimmung von 1,4-Dioxan in Alkylethoxysulfatprodukten fest.Das Verfahren ist anwendbar auf Proben mit einem Massenanteil an 1,4-Dioxan im Bereich von 5 mg/kg bis 100 mg/kg.

Agents de surface - Détermination de la teneur en 1,4-dioxane dans les alkylsulfates éthoxylés par CGL/Espace de tête

La présente norme européenne spécifie une méthode par chromatographie gaz- liquide (CGL) avec espace de tête pour la détermination de la teneur en 1,4- dioxane dans les alkylsulfates éthoxylés. La méthode est applicable à des échantillons présentant une concentration en dioxane-1,4 comprise entre 5 mg/kg et 100 mg/kg.

Površinsko aktivne snovi - Določevanje 1,4-dioksana v alkil-etoksi-sulfatnih proizvodih z GLC/metodo vzorčenja v plinski fazi

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 07-Dec-1999
• Withdrawal Date: 29-Jun-2000
• ICS: 71.100.40 - Surface active agents
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 276 - Surface active agents
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 276/WG 1 - Methods of analysis
• Current Stage: 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
• Start Date: 31-Oct-2024
• Completion Date: 14-Apr-2025
• Ref Project: SIST EN 12974:2001 - Surface active agents - Determination of the 1,4-dioxane content in alkyl-ethoxy-sulfate products by GLC/head space procedure

Overview

EN 12974:1999 is a European standard established by CEN that defines a precise analytical method for measuring the 1,4-dioxane content in alkyl-ethoxy-sulfate products. Utilizing a gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) combined with a head space technique, this standard ensures accurate determination of 1,4-dioxane concentrations ranging from 5 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg. Alkyl-ethoxy-sulfate products, commonly used as surface active agents in various industrial and consumer applications, require strict quality control to comply with safety and environmental regulations. EN 12974:1999 provides a reliable testing procedure critical for monitoring residual 1,4-dioxane, a potential contaminant with health concerns.

Key Topics

• Surface Active Agents: The standard focuses on alkyl-ethoxy-sulfate compounds, widely employed as detergents and surfactants in cleaning and personal care products.
• 1,4-Dioxane Contamination: 1,4-dioxane is a volatile, cyclic ether impurity arising during ethoxylation processes. Its presence is regulated due to toxicological risks.
• GLC/Head Space Method: A sensitive and reproducible analytical technique combining gas-liquid chromatography with head space sampling to isolate and quantify volatile contaminants.
• Detection Range: The method is calibrated to detect 1,4-dioxane concentrations between 5 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, ensuring capability for low-level contaminant monitoring.
• Standard Compliance: EN 12974:1999 aligns with European quality assurance practices, facilitating regulatory compliance for manufacturers of surfactant products.

Applications

• Quality Control in Chemical Manufacturing: Monitoring of alkyl-ethoxy-sulfate mixtures during production ensures product safety and consistency.
• Environmental Safety Assessments: Detection of 1,4-dioxane assists in evaluating environmental impact and adherence to chemical safety laws.
• Consumer Product Regulation: Ensures that household detergents, shampoos, and personal care formulations meet strict contaminant limits.
• Research and Development: Used by laboratories developing greener surfactant technologies with reduced impurity levels.
• Industrial Certification: Supports certification processes for products requiring proof of low residual 1,4-dioxane content.

Related Standards

• EN 12738 - Methods for determining ethoxylate content in surfactants.
• ISO 21339 - Analysis of polyoxyethylene types of surfactants by gas chromatography.
• EN 14078 - Testing environmental contaminants in detergents.
• REACH Regulations - European chemical safety regulations impacting surfactant manufacturing.
• OECD Guidelines for Testing of Chemicals - Provide complementary analytical methods for volatile organic compounds in chemical products.

By adhering to EN 12974:1999, manufacturers and testing laboratories enhance the reliability and consistency of 1,4-dioxane analysis in alkyl-ethoxy-sulfate products, thereby supporting safer consumer goods and maintaining compliance with European regulatory frameworks. This standard is a vital tool in ensuring product quality, protecting public health, and promoting sustainable chemical practices within the surfactant industry.

Standards Content (Sample)

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.LVXOIDWQLKGrenzflächenaktive Stoffe - Bestimmung des Gehaltes von 1,4-Dioxan in Alkylethoxysulfatprodukten durch ein GLC/Head-Space-VerfahrenAgents de surface - Détermination de la teneur en 1,4-dioxane dans les alkylsulfates éthoxylés par CGL/Espace de teteSurface active agents - Determination of the 1,4-dioxane content in alkyl-ethoxy-sulfate products by GLC/head spa
...