2 . 1 : Organophosphorus flame retardant and plasticizer analysis - challenges and recommendations based on the first worldwide interlaboratory study

The first worldwide interlaboratory study on organophosphorus flame retardants (PFRs) was organized to improve the quality of the data reported in literature. The study involved standard solution, dust, fish oil and sediment sample. The differences in coefficients of variation (CV) between the samples were related more to the PFR concentration (with high blanks being reported by some laboratories) and less to the matrix type. Not all participating laboratories suffered from blank problems, which indicate that it was possible to control the blanks. We include recommendations on how to improve analytical performance, especially to reduce contamination of blanks.