ISO 16017-2:2003

Overview

ISO 16017-2:2003 is an international standard published by ISO, providing general guidance for the sampling and analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in air using diffusive sampling with a sorbent tube, thermal desorption, and capillary gas chromatography. The standard is applicable to indoor, ambient, and workplace air, supporting air quality assessments across a broad range of environments. It facilitates the accurate measurement of VOCs such as hydrocarbons, halogenated hydrocarbons, esters, glycol ethers, ketones, and alcohols using recommended sorbents tailored to specific compound characteristics.

ISO 16017-2:2003 forms part of a two-part series focused on VOC sampling and analysis. While Part 1 describes pumped sampling, Part 2 details passive (diffusive) techniques, making VOC monitoring accessible for long-term, unattended operation and spatially distributed measurements.

Key Topics

• Diffusive (Passive) Sampling:
  • Use of sorbent tubes to sample air without active pumping.
  • Collection of VOC vapours over extended periods (8 hours to 4 weeks).
• Broad VOC Applicability:
  • Suitable for a variety of organic compounds, with specific sorbents recommended for each class.
  • Addresses sampling challenges for very polar, low boiling, and semi-volatile compounds.
• Calibration and Quality Control:
  • Emphasis on proper tube conditioning, blank testing, and calibration techniques using standard atmospheres or solutions.
  • Procedures to ensure desorption efficiency and accurate quantification.
• Sample Analysis:
  • Guidance on using thermal desorption linked to capillary gas chromatography for sensitive and selective VOC detection.
  • Recommendations for chromatographic conditions and detector types to enhance reliability and comparability.
• Performance Characteristics:
  • Coverage of relevant working concentration ranges and uptake rates.
  • Considerations for artefact minimization and interference from sorbent materials.

Applications

• Indoor Air Quality Monitoring:
  • Routine assessment of VOC levels in homes, offices, schools, and public buildings to comply with health and environmental regulations.
• Workplace Exposure Assessment:
  • Monitoring employee exposure to hazardous VOCs in industrial and laboratory environments.
  • Used to support occupational health and safety programs.
• Ambient Air Quality Studies:
  • Long-term or geographically distributed sampling in outdoor environments to evaluate pollution or assess the impact of industrial sources.
• Product Emission Testing:
  • Used in research and product validation to measure off-gassing from building materials, consumer goods, or chemicals.
• Regulatory Compliance:
  • Supports laboratories, consultants, and regulators by providing a standardized methodology for air VOC sampling and analysis.

Related Standards

• ISO 16000-1 - Indoor air - General aspects of sampling strategy
• ISO 16017-1 - Indoor, ambient and workplace air - Sampling and analysis of volatile organic compounds by sorbent tube/thermal desorption/capillary gas chromatography - Part 1: Pumped sampling
• EN 838 - Workplace atmospheres - Diffusive samplers for the determination of gases and vapours
• EN 13528-2 - Ambient air quality - Diffusive samplers for the determination of concentrations of gases and vapours - Part 2: Specific requirements and test methods

By following ISO 16017-2:2003, organizations and laboratories can implement reliable, validated procedures for VOC sampling and analysis. This aids in air quality management, risk assessment, and supports global harmonization of measurement practices for volatile organic compounds in various settings. The standardized approach helps ensure health protection and compliance with environmental and occupational exposure regulations.