Recently, the detection of formamide in disposable diapers has sparked widespread concern online. Several leading brands were found to contain formamide, leaving parents deeply worried: How could diapers that are in such close and constant contact with their babies contain toxic substances?
These substances are invisible to the naked eye, undetectable by smell, and difficult to accurately quantify with conventional testing methods. What truly provides definitive evidence for the presence of trace toxic substances is the mass spectrometer in the laboratory.
Mass Spectrometry Uncovers Hidden Formamide Risks
Today, we’re setting emotions aside and focusing on the science:
How has mass spectrometry become the “ultimate arbiter” of maternal and infant safety?
Behind the Trending Headlines: How Do We Detect Invisible Toxins?
The report mentioned that professional testing organizations were commissioned to conduct sampling tests on selected brands of baby diapers available on the market. The results detected a toxic substance—formamide.
Q: What is formamide?
A: A Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) under EU regulations.
Potential reproductive toxicity; prolonged exposure may harm the liver and kidneys and affect development. Infants and young children have delicate skin, which may result in a significantly higher risk of dermal absorption compared with adults.
Present at extremely low levels, highly volatile, and easily masked by the sample matrix, formamide can be virtually impossible to detect using conventional methods.
Mass spectrometry is the technology capable of delivering both “trace-level identification and precise quantification.”
Mass Spectrometry: The “Sharp Eyes” of Maternal and Infant Safety Testing
Formamide testing primarily relies on mass spectrometry, with different products subject to corresponding national standards. For toy materials, high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) is used, while footwear is tested using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
Q: What method is used for testing?
A: High-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) is used to determine formamide levels in toy materials. It offers high accuracy and sensitivity. The current standard is GB/T 34436-2023.
Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS): Used to determine formamide levels in footwear and foamed materials used in footwear. The current standard is GB/T 34842-2017.
General testing methods: Liquid chromatography (LC), gas chromatography (GC), and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) can all be used for
Q: What are the applicable standards based on?
A: The testing standard for toy materials was issued by the State Administration for Market Regulation and updated in 2023, replacing the 2017 version. The testing standard for footwear was issued in 2017 and remains in effect.
What Can We Do?
As a Chinese manufacturer specializing in the R&D and production of high-end mass spectrometry instruments, Zhenyi Technology has been deeply engaged in trace-level organic contaminant detection technologies. Our mass spectrometers enable the efficient, stable, and accurate detection of high-risk substances such as formamide in diapers, helping the maternal and infant care industry establish comprehensive quality control systems.
Powered by advanced domestic analytical technologies, we are committed to strengthening the first line of defense for babies’ safety in products that come into close contact with their delicate skin.
The toxic diaper incident is yet another reminder: when it comes to the safety of our babies, there is no room for uncertainty. Invisible risks must be detected with the most precise technologies.
Mass spectrometers may be small, but they can help safeguard the peace of mind of millions of families. May every maternal and infant product stand up to the“scrutiny” of mass spectrometry, and may every baby be protected with care, safety, and tenderness.
For related testing technologies and more comprehensive solutions, please feel free to contact us for consultation!
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