Measurement of PAH EPA according to
DIN ISO 12884

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).