What is EN ISO 11886-2015?

The EN ISO 11886-2015 is a technical standard that outlines the requirements for the determination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in ambient air and workplace atmospheres. VOCs are organic chemicals that can easily vaporize into the air at room temperature and pose potential health risks.

Scope and Application

This standard applies to the measurement of VOCs in both indoor and outdoor environments. It provides guidelines for sampling methods, sample storage, transportation, and analysis techniques. The aim is to ensure accurate and consistent measurements of VOCs, which is crucial for assessing air quality and identifying potential sources of pollution.

Sampling Techniques

EN ISO 11886-2015 suggests various sampling techniques to collect air samples for VOC analysis. These techniques include active sampling using a pump, passive sampling with adsorbent tubes, and diffusive sampling methods. Each technique has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on the specific monitoring objectives and conditions.

Active sampling requires a pump to draw air through an adsorbent tube or cartridge, which collects VOCs. This method allows for precise control over the sampling duration and flow rate, offering accurate measurement results. Passive sampling, on the other hand, uses tubes filled with sorbents that capture VOCs by diffusion, without the need for a pump. It is a cost-effective option but may have limitations in terms of detection limits and sampling rates.

Analysis and Reporting

After collecting air samples, laboratory analysis is conducted to quantify the presence of VOCs. This typically involves thermal desorption or solvent extraction methods followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis.

The results obtained from the analysis should be reported in accordance with EN ISO 11886-2015 guidelines. The standard provides recommendations for reporting units, limits of detection, and quality control procedures to ensure comparability and reliability of data generated by different laboratories.

Compliance with EN ISO 11886-2015 is essential for organizations and authorities involved in air quality monitoring. It enables them to effectively assess VOC concentrations, identify pollution sources, and take appropriate measures to protect public health and the environment.