Abstract: In this work, we established a method for determination of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) in foamed polystyrene (EPS) packaging materials by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and investigated the content of HBCD in EPS packaging materials. The results indicated that 3.9 % of the samples were found to contain HBCD, and for 11.27 % of the samples, HBCD were intentionally added to meet the requirement for the flame retardancy of materials. In the product market of EPS packaging materials, there was some certain proportion of packaging materials involved the HBCD added deliberately or contaminated. The use of packaging materials is a key factor in determining the addition level of HBCD. Owing to the high requirement for flame retardancy in electronic packaging materials, the addition level of HBCD was as high as 44.4 %, and however, the intentional addition of HBCD was found in filler materials. Because there were insufficient awareness and supervision from the enterprises and local management departments about the prohibition of HBCD in packaging materials, it is highly recommended to enhance the propaganda and supervision of the prohibition of HBCD in EPS packaging materials and promote the use of alternatives for HBCD.

Key words: hexabromocyclododecane, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, packaging material