ISO 16000-39:2019

Overview

ISO 16000-39:2019 specifies the analytical procedure for the determination of primary, secondary and tertiary aliphatic and aromatic amines in indoor air. Used together with ISO 16000-38 (which covers active sampling on phosphoric-acid impregnated filters and sampler manufacture), this part describes HPLC/UHPLC separation and detection by tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS) or high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Results are reported as mass concentration (µg/m3). The method can also be adapted for other amines and, where detection limits permit, for water samples.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Target analytes: Primary, secondary and tertiary amines (lists in Annex A); quaternary amines and isocyanates are excluded.
• Chromatography (HPLC/UHPLC):
  • Stationary phase: pentafluorophenyl
  • Typical column: 150 mm × 2.1 mm; particle sizes: 3 µm (HPLC) or 1.7 µm (UHPLC)
  • Column temperature: 40 °C; injection volume: 1–10 µL
  • Mobile phase: acetonitrile / water with 0.02% formic acid; isocratic 28% acetonitrile / 72% water
• Mass spectrometry:
  • Ionisation: electrospray in positive mode (ESI+)
  • MS-MS: precursor ion M+1; collision gas argon; recommended source/desolvation parameters and use of external calibration plus Pyridine-d5 as internal standard
  • HRMS: ESI+ for accurate-mass detection
• Performance & analytical range:
  • Dependent on sample volume (5–100 L), eluate (1–5 mL), injection volume and instrument sensitivity
  • Typical application range: ≈0.002 µg/m3 (100 L sample) up to ≈2 000 µg/m3 (5 L sample) for common equipment (e.g., Waters TQD)
  • Sensitivity varies: ethanolamine derivatives ~10× more sensitive; short-chained aliphatic amines ~10× less sensitive
• Quality control:
  • External calibration at start and end of sequences; calibration blank and check every ≤25 samples; interference check solution every ~50 samples
  • Specific chromatographic and MS tests to resolve potential interferences (see Annex A tables and product-ion ratio checks)

Applications and users

• Environmental and indoor-air testing laboratories performing quantitative analysis of amines
• Building and product manufacturers (e.g., polyurethane-containing products, vehicle interiors, insulation) conducting product emission testing and quality control
• Occupational hygiene, public health agencies, consultants and research institutions assessing odour issues, exposure risks or compliance
• Adaptable for aqueous samples where detection limits suffice

Related standards

• ISO 16000-38 - sampling procedure and sampler manufacture for amines in indoor air (mandatory companion document)
• ISO 17734-1 / ISO 17734-2 - determination of isocyanates (note: isocyanates are not covered by ISO 16000-39)

Keywords: ISO 16000-39:2019, indoor air, amines analysis, HPLC, UHPLC, tandem mass spectrometry, HRMS, ISO 16000-38, air quality, analytical method.