GC-MS Analysis of Primary Aromatic Amines Originated From Azo Dyes in Commercial Textile or Leather Products Using Helium Alternative Carrier Gases.

This article investigates the use of hydrogen and nitrogen as alternative carrier gases to helium in gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GC-MS) analysis for detecting primary aromatic amines (PAAs) derived from azo dyes, as specified in Japan's Act on Control of Household Products Containing Harmful Substances. Under the same analytical conditions used for helium, both hydrogen and nitrogen provided sufficient separation of 26 target PAAs, with hydrogen showing comparable sensitivity to helium, while nitrogen exhibited lower sensitivity but still allowed quantification below the regulatory limit of 30 µg/g. Analysis of commercial textile and leather products confirmed consistent detection and compliance assessment regardless of the carrier gas used. The study concludes that hydrogen and nitrogen are viable alternatives to helium for GC-MS analysis of azo compound-derived PAAs, offering options amid global helium shortages and supporting environmentally conscious analytical practices.