Gas chromatographic determination of chlorinated pesticides and PCBs in complex cosmetic matrices.

An investigation was performed in order to evaluate the presence as polluting agents of chlorinated hydrocarbons in complex cosmetic matrices. Chlorinated pesticides, such as Dieldrin, alpha-Endosulfan, Heptachlor, alpha-Hexachlorocyclohexane (alpha-HCH), Lindane and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) such as Aroclor 1254, were studied in two ingredients and in three finished commercial products. The analytical procedure consists of extraction, extract clean-up, separation of pesticides from PCBs, identification and measurement. Analysis was performed by gas chromatography with electron-capture detector, identity of pesticides and PCBs was assumed from retention times and quantification was based on peak-height measurements.