Test Standard
International analytical standards establish the reference methods for measuring harmful volatile organic compounds in leather and textile goods. In consumer safety testing, iso 17226-1 defines the liquid chromatography procedure for the determination of formaldehyde released from leather products. This standard is designed to detect formaldehyde down to very low levels, which is crucial for items with direct skin contact.
The protocol is used by accredited testing laboratories worldwide.
Extraction Procedure
The leather sample is subjected to extraction with a surfactant solution at forty degrees Celsius to release the bound formaldehyde. This extraction process mimics the conditions of human perspiration during garment wear. The liquid extract is then reacted with dinitrophenylhydrazine to form a stable derivative.
This step must be carried out in a temperature-controlled environment.
Chromatographic Verification
High-performance liquid chromatography separates the derivative from other extractable compounds before it passes through the ultraviolet detector. This separation prevents interference from other aldehydes and ketones present in the leather. The instrument measures the peak area of the derivative to calculate the concentration.
This chromatography stage represents the most accurate detection method available.
Compliance Threshold
Results are reported in milligrams per kilogram of leather to assess compliance with international chemical restrictions. While some eco-labels set the limit at twenty parts per million, other regulations allow higher levels for outerwear. The test provides the chemical documentation required for the product safety dossier.
