What is BS EN 62321-6 - Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) about?
BS EN 62321-6 is the sixth part of the multi-series standard that focuses on the determination of certain substances in electrotechnical products.
BS EN 62321-6 specifies one normative and two informative techniques for the determination of polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and diphenyl ethers (PBDE) in polymers of electrotechnical products.
The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) test method is suitable for the determination of mono brominated to decabrominated biphenyls (PBB) and mono brominated to decabrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE).
Annexes A and C contain methods using ion attachment mass spectrometry (IAMS) coupled with direct injection probe (DIP) and high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled to photo diode array ultraviolet detector (HPLC-PDA/UV). These techniques have utility as fast, qualitative, or semi-quantitative type methods but are subject to limitations including interferences or the number or type of PBB and PBDE compounds within their scope.
These test methods have been evaluated for use with PS-HI (polystyrene, high-impact) and PC/ABS (a blend of polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) containing individual PBDEs between 20 mg/kg to 2 000 mg/kg and total PBDEs between 1 300 mg/kg to 5 000 mg/kg as depicted in this standard including in Annex F. The use of these methods for other polymer types, PBBs or other PBDE compounds or concentration ranges other than those specified above has not been specifically evaluated.
Who is BS EN 62321-6 - Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for?
BS EN 62321-6 on the determination of Polybrominated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers is useful for:
- Electrotechnical industries 
- Chemical laboratories  
- Chemical and environmental scientists  
- Environmental regulatory bodies 
- Manufacturers and suppliers of electrotechnical products and polymers
Why should you use BS EN 62321-6 - Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS)?
Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is an analytical method that combines the features of gas-chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify different substances within a test sample.
BS EN 62321-6 provides guidance on reagents and materials, apparatus, general instructions for the analysis, instrumental parameters, calculation of PBB and PBDE concentration, quality assurance and control, and test report.
The widespread use of electrotechnical products has drawn increased attention to their impact on the environment. In many countries, this has resulted in the adoption of regulations affecting wastes, substances, and energy use of electrotechnical products. The use of certain substances Polybrominated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl in electrotechnical products is a source of concern in current and proposed regional legislation. BS EN 62321-6, therefore, provides test methods that will allow the electrotechnical industry to determine the levels of certain substances of concern in electrotechnical products on a consistent global basis.
