Gas chromatographic determination of vinylidene chloride monomer in packaging films and in foods.

Headspace electron-capture-gas chromatographic methods are described for the quantification of vinylidene chloride monomer in poly(vinylidene chloride) containing films and in film-packaged foodstuffs. Quantification of vinylidene chloride was possible at levels down to 0.001 mg/m2 in the films and 0.005 ppm in the foodstuffs. The results of a small survey of the amounts of this compound in packaging films and foodstuffs purchased from retail outlets are reported.