Significance and Use
This guide provides a broad perspective on techniques that can be used by environmental managers for selecting VOC air monitoring methods. It summarizes various methods for measurement of VOC in air derived from a variety of sources and experiences and incorporates them into condensed guidelines. This guide provides a common basis for selecting methods for VOC measurement as well a discussion of the limitations of typical methods.
This guide should be used during the planning stages of an air monitoring program along with other applicable guides and practices (for example, D1357) to select ASTM or other appropriate methods.
Scope
1.1 This guide provides assistance in the selection of active integrative sampling methods, in which the volatile organic analytes are collected from air over a period of time by drawing the air into the sampling device, with subsequent recovery for analysis. Where available, specific ASTM test methods and practices are referenced.
1.2 Guidance is provided for the selection of active sampling methods based either on collection of an untreated air sample (whole air samples) or selective sampling using sorbent concentration techniques that selectively concentrate components in air. Advantages and disadvantages of specific collection vehicles are presented.
1.3 This guide does not cover the use of cryogenically cooled field sampling devices used in some automated analysis systems. Detailed instructions for cryogenic recovery of compounds captured as whole air samples or thermally desorbed from sorbents are typically covered in standard methods for sample analysis and are beyond the scope of this guide.
1.4 Both thermal and solvent desorption techniques for sample recovery are discussed.
1.5 Organic compounds are classified on the basis of vapor pressure as very volatile, volatile, semivolatile and nonvolatile. Physical characteristics of many volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are provided to aid in selection of sampling techniques for VOC measurement. Semivolatile and nonvolatile organic compounds are defined in the guide to help guide users avoid misidentifying compounds that are not covered in this guide.
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.7 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.