Standard Test Method for Determination of Gaseous and Particulate Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Ambient Air (Collection on Sorbent-Backed Filters with Gas Chromatographic/Mass Spectrometric Analysis)

1.1 This test method specifies sampling, cleanup, and analysis procedures for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in ambient air.

1.2 This test method is designed to collect both gas-phase and particulate-phase PAH and to determine them collectively.

1.3 This test method is a high-volume sampling (100 to 250 L/min) method capable of detecting PAH at sub-nanograms per cubic metre (ng/m³) concentrations with sampling volumes up to 350 m³ of air.

1.4 This test method has been validated for sampling periods up to 24 h.

1.5 Precision and bias under normal conditions can be expected to be 35 to 50 %.

1.6 This test method describes a sampling and analysis procedure for PAH that involves collection from air on a combination fine-particle filter and sorbent trap and subsequent analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).

1.7 The range of this test method is approximately 0.05 to 1000 ng/m³ of air sampled.

1.8 The values stated in SI units shall be regarded as standard.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. See also Section for additional safety precautions.