Scope:

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are compounds made up of two or more fused aromatic rings. Many PAH can cause cancer in humans. They are emitted into the atmosphere when wood and fossil fuels are burned. ASTM D6209-13 test method is used to determine the amount of PAH in ambient air. This test collects both gas-phase and particulate-phase PAH and determines them collectively. ASTM D6209-13 test method is a high-volume sampling (100 to 250 L/min) method. It can detect PAH at sub-nanograms per cubic meter (ng/m³ ) concentrations with sampling volumes up to 350 m³ of air. 

Test Procedure:

Sampling: An air sample is collected directly from the ambient atmosphere using a fine particulate filter followed by a vapor trap containing polyurethane foam (PUF) or styrene/divinylbenzene polymer resin (XAD-2). Sampling time ranges from 1 to 24 h, depending on monitoring needs and the detection limits required. Such that the total sample volume does not exceed 350 m³. 
Analysis: After sampling a fixed volume of air, the particle filter and sorbent cartridge are extracted together in a Soxhlet extractor. The sample extract is concentrated by means of a Kuderna-Danish concentrator, and if necessary, it is further concentrated under a nitrogen stream. After that, the sample is analyzed by gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry.

Data:

The following information is reported: 

The concentration of each identified analyte in the sample extract. The air volume from the periodic flow readings taken during sampling. The volume of air sampled at standard conditions of temperature and pressure. The concentration of each analyte in the air sample.