Softeners In Plastic

What method do you use to test for softeners in plastic binders and sheets? I am referring to chemicals used in certain plastics and vinyls which outgas and harm some inks and most gum.

I know the smell test, but that does not always work for older pages. I have 4 sisters, and growing up, I grew familiar with the smell of plastic Barbie Doll toys at Christmas time. The smell of a plastic softener I call the "Barbie Smell." However, older pages sometimes smell very weakly or not at all, and still stick with the next method.

This method is to fold a piece of photocopied paper with printed side out, insert in a pocket or between pages, and set the item aside for an indefinite amount of time. Sometimes, the toner on the page sticks, but this method can take up to several weeks for a definitive answer.

I am hoping for a litmus test. Something that works quickly and is easy.

Furthermore, how long do these chemicals last? and how close to an item do they need to be to be harmful? If the pages are OK, but the binder or dust cover are not, is that a problem?

Man, I wish I had an answer for this one. I would think one of the stamp techies like Kim would have an idea.

You may wish to conduct the Beilstein test,
a length of copper wire is heated in a flame
a gas lighter will do, until no colour is imparted to the flame, the hot wire is then touched onto the plastic and reintroduced to the flame, a green colour in the flame indicates the presence of organic chlorides.
Polyvinyl chloride plastics all give a positive result

HTH