Background
Azo dyes are among the most widely used dyes in the textile industry, releasing a series of carcinogenic aromatic amines that can the through skin absorption.
Objective
This work aims to show that 22 azo dye amines in a textile matrix may be quantified using a GC-MS method.
Method
Based on the notion of total error and β-content, γ-confidence statistical intervals (β,γ CCTI), a chemometric approach known as the “Uncertainty Profile” has been used to completely validate a gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method for the simultaneous assay of 22 azo amines in fabrics. According to ISO 17025 guidelines, analytical validation and measurement uncertainty estimates have evolved to be two main principles for ensuring the accuracy of analytical results and controlling the risk associated with their use.
Results
The calculated tolerance intervals allowed for the determination of the uncertainty limits at each concentration level. These limits when compared to the acceptable limits show that a significant portion of the expected outcomes is in conformity. Additionally, the relative expanded uncertainty values, calculated with a proportion of 66.7% and a 10% risk, do not exceed 27.7%, 12.2%, and 10.9% for concentration levels 1 mg/L, 15 mg/L, and 30 mg/L respectively.
Conclusions
The capability and flexibility of the intervals β-content, γ-confidence have been established through the use of this innovative approach to carrying out a qualimetry of the GC-MS method depending on the behavior, required conformity proportion, and acceptable tolerance limits of each amine.
Highlights
An efficient GC-MS technique for the simultaneous determination of 22 azo amines in a textile matrix has been completed. Analytical validation using a new strategy based on the uncertainty concept is reported, uncertainty associated to measurement results was estimated and the applicability of our approach to the GC-MS method is investigated.
