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Negative-chemical-ionization mass spectral screening of extracts of human seminal plasma has revealed a presence of a Cl7 ion cluster at a mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) of 463 in a significant number of the samples examined (34 out of 123). Experiments with different gases used to generate the negative-chemical-ionization plasma indicated that the ion at m/z 463 was a chloride adduca of a Cl6 molecule with a mass of 428 daltons. Negative-chemical-ionization mass measurement with ions from the iodoform mass spectrum used as reference peaks gave a mass of 427.882 daltons; C9H15PCl6 has a molecular weight of 427.883. Extraction of polyurethane foam with toluene produced an extract that consistently gave a negative-chemical-ionization spectrum containing an intense Cl7ion at m/z463. The component producing ion was isolated, and its proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum confirmed that it was tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate, a mutagenic flame retardant. The negative-chemical-ionization screening evidence suggests that this flame retardant or its isomer tris(2,3-dichloro-l-propyl)phosphate, or both, are absorbved into the body from formulations in which they are used as flame retardants. Remedial action seems indicated to reduce human exposure to these compunds.

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A method is proposed for extraction and cleanup of corn samples for the quantitation of 4 aflatoxins by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). After aqueous methanol extraction, ammonium sulfate treatment, and partition of aflatoxins into chloroform, sample extracts are partially purified on Sep-Pak cartridges or small columns packed with HPLC grade silica; cleanup requires only 13 mL solvent/sample. Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 in the purified extract are resolved in ca 10 min by normal phase HPLC on a microparticulate (5 μm) silica gel column with a 50% water-saturated chloroform-cyclohexaneacetonitrile- ethanol solvent, and are measured by ultraviolet fluorescence in a silica gel-packed flowcell. Recoveries of added aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 were 84–118 % at levels of 1.5–125 μg/kg