Sampling

For the sampling of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) the following sampling systems are available at the GSA:

  • PM4-2 with a cartridge according to VDI 2463/7 (stationary sampling)   
  • GSA50 with a cartridge according to VDI 2463/7 (stationary sampling)  

Stationary sampling is usually carried out with PM4-2.

The air loaded with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) is sucked in by means of a volume flow-controlled pump (PM4-2) with a volume flow of 46 l/ min. We recommend a measurement period of 2 h. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are sucked out of the air through the cartridge and adsorbed.

A binder-free glass fibre filter and two polyurethane foams, each with a diameter of 50 mm, are used as filter media.

 

Analysis

The analytical determination is subsequently carried out by HRGC/LRMS (high-resolution gas chromatography/low-resolution mass spectrometry).

 

Limit value

A large number of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are carcinogenic or cancer-promoting compounds with benzo(a)pyrene as the lead substance.

– Naphthalene
– Acenaphthylene
– Acenaphthene
– Fluorene
– Phenanthrene
– Anthracene
– Fluoranthene
– Pyrene
– Benzo(a)anthracene
– Chrysene
– Benzo(b/j)fluoranthene
– Benzo(k)fluoranthene
– Benzo(a)pyrene
– Dibenzo(a,h/a,c)anthracene
– Benzo(g,h,i)perylene
– Indeno(1,2,3-c,d)pyrene

A guideline value of 1.3 ng/m3 for benzo(a)pyrene in indoor air (without specific sources) has been proposed by the Federal Committee for Air Pollution (LAI) (Ministry for Environment, Agriculture, Conservation and Consumer Protection, Düsseldorf).

Stationary measurement of PAHs
Stationary measurement of PAHs