Footwear - Critical substances potentially present in footwear and footwear components - Test method to quantitatively determine dimethylformamide in footwear materials
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Our test laboratory performs accredited testing according to DIN EN ISO 16189 for the quantitative determination of benzene in footwear materials and footwear components. The standard describes an analytical method for determining benzene content in materials used in footwear production. Benzene is a volatile aromatic hydrocarbon that is strictly regulated due to its hazardous and carcinogenic properties. Residues may originate particularly from solvents, adhesives, coatings, rubber and polymer components, or contaminated raw materials.
Test Procedure
For the test, the sample material is prepared under defined conditions and extracted using suitable solvents. Quantitative determination of the benzene content is then carried out instrumentally, typically by chromatographic analytical methods combined with appropriate detection systems. The standardized procedure enables reproducible and sensitive detection of even low benzene concentrations in complex material composites.
The test is applied in particular to footwear upper materials, outsole materials, artificial leather, rubber-based components, polymer materials, coatings, adhesive systems, and other footwear components. It is used for quality control, chemical product safety assessment, and verification of regulatory requirements as well as customer-specific restricted substance lists (RSLs). Benzene is subject to strict restrictions under the European REACH regulation and is particularly relevant for consumer products with skin contact.