scope:

This part of ISO 16000 specifies a determination of formaldehyde in indoor air using a diffusive sampler with solvent desorption and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

The test method is applicable to the measurement of formaldehyde ^{1 )} in indoor air over the range from 0,001 mg/m³ to 1,0 mg/m³ for a sampling period of between 24 h and 72 h. For sampling periods of 24 h, the applicable concentration range is 0,003 mg/m³ to 1 mg/m³, and for 72 h it is 0,001 mg/m³ to 0,33 mg/m³.

NOTE Confirmed samplers with respect to measurement sensitivity and precision can apply to short-term sampling (less than 24 h).

The method is suitable for measurements in atmospheres with conventional indoor air relative humidity and for monitoring at air velocities as low as 0,02 m/s. The chromatographic step in the method is designed to eliminate potential interferences, including those due to the presence of other carbonyl compounds. The sampling method gives a time-weighted average result.

NOTE There are several diffusive samplers with various designs and shapes commercially available. They are all based on the reaction of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine with formaldehyde. They are not specifically described in this part of ISO 16000 to avoid any impression that ISO favours one model over another.

1) Instead of systematic IUPAC nomenclature, traditional names are used in this part of ISO 16000, e.g. "formaldehyde" is used instead of "methanal".