This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: D3686 − 20

Standard Practice for

Sampling Atmospheres to Collect Organic Compound
Vapors (Activated Charcoal Tube Adsorption Method)1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3686; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope D3687 Test Method for Analysis of Organic Compound

1.1 This practice covers a method for the sampling of Vapors Collected by the Activated Charcoal Tube Adsorp-
atmospheres to determine the presence of certain organic tion Method
vapors by means of adsorption on activated charcoal using a D4840 Guide for Sample Chain-of-Custody Procedures
charcoal tube and a small portable sampling pump worn by a D5337 Practice for Flow Rate Adjustment of Personal Sam-
worker. A list of some of the organic chemical vapors that can pling Pumps
be sampled by this practice is provided in Annex A1. This list 2.2 NIOSH Standards:
is presented as an information guide and should not be CDC-99-74-45 Documentation of NIOSH Validation Tests3
considered as absolute or complete. HSM-99-71-31 Personal Sampler Pump for Charcoal
Tubes; Final Report3
1.2 This practice does not cover any method of sampling NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods 4
that requires special impregnation of activated charcoal or 2.3 OSHA Standards:
other adsorption media. 29 CFR 1910 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Relating to
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as Labor, U.S. Occupational Safety and Health
standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are Administration, Department of Labor5
provided for information only and are not considered standard. OSHA Chemical Sampling Information 6
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the OSHA Sampling and Analytical Methods 7
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 2.4 Other Documents:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- ISO/IEC 17025 General Requirements for the Competence
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- of Testing and Calibration Laboratories8
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. A
3. Terminology
specific safety precaution is given in 9.4.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor- 3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- method, refer to Terminology D1356.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- 3.2.1 activated charcoal, n—charcoal that has been heated
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical or otherwise treated to increase its adsorptive power.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.2.1.1 Discussion—A common procedure is to increase the
2. Referenced Documents inherent porosity of charcoal derived from biological precur-
sors (for example, nut shells) by steam activation. Prior to use
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
D1356 Terminology Relating to Sampling and Analysis of
Atmospheres 3
Available from National Technical Information Service (NTIS), 5285 Port
Royal Rd., Springfield, VA 22161, http://www.ntis.gov.
4
NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods, http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/nmam.
5
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office Superintendent of Documents,
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D22 on Air Quality 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D22.04 on Workplace Air Quality. www.access.gpo.gov.
6
Current edition approved March 1, 2020. Published June 2020. Originally OSHA Chemical Sampling Information, http://osha.gov/dts/chemicalsampling/
approved in 1978. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D3686 – 13. DOI: toc/toc_chemsamp.html.
7
10.1520/D3686-20. OSHA Sampling and Analytical Methods, http://osha.gov/dts/sltc/methods/
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or toc.html.
8
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Central Secretariat, BIBC II, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier,
the ASTM website. Geneva, Switzerland, http://www.iso.org.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 D3686 − 20

FIG. 1 Activated Charcoal Adsorption Sampling Tube

in this application, activated charcoals may need to be further and reactive chemicals, for example, acetone, although it
treated to remove remnant organic compounds. should not affect most chemicals listed in Annex A1. Alterna-
tive sorbents are available for sampling polar and reactive
4. Summary of Practice compounds at high humidity. Users are advised to consult their
4.1 Air samples are collected for organic vapor analysis by analytical laboratory, method documentation, or associated
aspirating air at a known rate and for an appropriate time literature for more information.
through sampling tubes containing activated charcoal. 6.2 High levels of organic vapors can interfere by reducing
4.2 Instructions are given to enable assembly of charcoal the amount of time a workplace can be sampled before the
tubes suitable for sampling purposes. charcoal sampler becomes saturated.
4.3 Information on the correct use of the charcoal tube
7. Apparatus
sampling device is presented.
7.1 Charcoal Tube:
4.4 Test Method D3687 describes a method for the analysis
7.1.1 A sampling tube consists of a length of glass tubing
of these samples.
usually containing two sections of activated charcoal that are
5. Significance and Use held in place and separated by nonadsorbent material. The tube
is sealed at each end.
5.1 Promulgations by the U.S. Occupational Safety and 7.1.1.1 Sampling tubes are commercially available. The
Health Administration (OSHA) in 29 CFR 1910.1000 desig- tubes are usually divided into two sections with the front
nate that certain organic compounds must not be present in section containing 100 to 800 mg of activated charcoal and the
workplace atmospheres at concentrations above specific val- back section containing 50 to 400 mg of activated charcoal.
ues. The 100/50-mg tube ((2-4) and Fig. 1) is the one most
5.2 This practice, when used in conjunction with Test frequently used, it consists of a glass tube that is 70-mm long,
Method D3687, will provide the needed accuracy and precision 6-mm outside diameter, 4-mm inside diameter, and contains
for the determination of airborne time-weighted average con- two sections of 20/40 mesh-activated coconut-shell charcoal
centrations of many of the organic chemicals including but not separated by a 2-mm section of urethane foam. The front
limited to CDC-99-74-45, HSM-99-71-31, NIOSH Manual of section of 100 mg is retained by a plug of clean glass wool, and
Analytical Methods, 29 CFR 1910.1000, OSHA Chemical the back section of 50 mg is retained by either a second 2-mm
Sampling Information, OSHA Sampling and Analytical portion of urethane foam or by a plug of clean glass wool. Both
Methods, and HSE Methods for the Determination of Hazard- ends of the tube are usually flame-sealed.
ous Substances.
NOTE 1—Urethane foam is known to adsorb certain pesticides (5).
5.3 A partial list of chemicals for which this method is Contaminated urethane foam should not be used for this practice.
applicable is given in Annex A1, along with their OSHA 7.1.1.2 When it is desirable to sample highly volatile
permissible exposure limits. compounds for extended periods, or at a high volume flow rate,
a larger device capable of efficient collection can be used,
6. Interferences
provided the proportions of the tube and its charcoal contents
6.1 Water mist and vapor can interfere with the collection of are scaled similarly to the base dimensions to provide nomi-
organic compound vapors. Humidity greater than 60 % can nally the same linear flow rate and contact time with the
reduce the adsorptive capacity of activated charcoal up to 50 % charcoal bed.
for some chemicals (1).9 Presence of condensed water droplets 7.1.2 The back portion of the sampler tube usually contains
in the sample tube will indicate a suspect sample. Water vapor 50 % of the mass of activated charcoal present in the front
co-collected by the sorbent can lead to poor recovery of polar section. The back section adsorbs vapors that penetrate the
front section and serves as a warning that breakthrough may
9
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of have occurred. (Annex A1 gives recommended maximum tube
this standard. loading information for many chemicals.)

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 D3686 − 20
7.1.3 The adsorptive capacity and extraction efficiency (also 9. Sampling with Activated Charcoal Samplers
called desorption efficiency) of different batches of activated 9.1 Setting the Flow-rate of the Sampling System—The
charcoal can vary. Commercial tubes, if used, should be sampling system consists of a pump, flow regulator, tubing to
purchased from the same batch and in sufficient number to be used, and a representative charcoal tube (or an equivalent
provide sampling capability for an adequate period of time. induced resistance). The air flow through the sampling system
Care must be taken to have enough tubes from the same batch should be adjusted and set at the desired rate by means of a
for a given study. flowmeter calibrated traceably to national or international
7.1.4 Pressure drop across the sampling tube should be less standards (see D5337). The calibration of the flow meter must
than 3.3 kPa (25 mm Hg) at a flow rate of 1000 mL/min and be performed by an organization accredited for the purpose
less than 0.61 kPa (4.6 mm Hg) at a flow rate of 200 mL/min. according to ISO 17205. The flow through the sampling system
7.1.5 Charcoal sampling tubes prepared in accordance with shall be measured in a clean location with similar temperature
this practice and with sealed glass ends can be stored indefi- and barometric pressure as the sampling site. Normally, pump
nitely. Accrediting bodies, such as American Industrial Hy- flow rates or sample air volumes are not corrected for tempera-
giene Association, may require that sampling media have an ture or barometric pressure where concentrations are calculated
expiration date. Accredited facilities must abide by this date. for normal temperature and pressure.
7.2 Sampling Pumps: 9.2 Break open both ends of the charcoal tube to be used for
7.2.1 Any pump with a flow rate that can be accurately sampling, ensuring that each opening is at least one half the
determined, that can be set at the desired sampling rate, and inside diameter of the tube.
that can maintain the desired sampling rate for a sufficient time 9.3 Insert the charcoal tube into the connective flexible
is suitable. Primarily though, this practice is intended for use tubing, placing the back-up section nearest to the pump. At no
with small personal sampling pumps. time should there be any tubing ahead of the sampling tubes.
7.2.2 Pumps having stable low flow rates (10 to 200 Use a sampling tube holder to protect the worker from the
mL/min) are preferable for long period sampling (up to 8 h) or sharp end of the sampling tube.
when the concentration of organic vapors is expected to be 9.4 For a breathing zone sample, fasten the sampling pump
high. Reduced sample volumes will avoid exceeding the to the worker, and attach the sampling tube as close to the
adsorptive capacity of the charcoal tubes. (Suggested flow rates worker’s breathing zone as possible. Position the tube in a
and sampling times are given in Annex A1 for anticipated vertical position to avoid channeling of air through the charcoal
concentration ranges.) (Sample volumes are discussed in 9.5.) sections. (Warning—Assure that the presence of the sampling
7.2.3 Pumps are available that will provide stable flow rates equipment is not a safety hazard to the worker and that the
between 65 % of the desired flow rate. Flow rate through the equipment will not interfere with the worker’s duties.)
charcoal tubes should be measured before and after sampling 9.4.1 Turn on the pump.
with an instrument calibrated for the purpose. 9.4.2 Record the flow rate, the starting time, and depending
7.2.4 A sampling tube holder with flexible tubing is used to on the make of pump used, the register reading.
connect the sampling tube to the sampling pump. The sampling
9.5 Sampling Volumes—The minimum sample volume will
tube holder is used to protect the worker from the sharp end of
be based on the detection limit of the analytical method, and
the samping tube.
the maximum sample volume will be based on either the
7.3 Flowmeter: adsorptive capacity of the charcoal or limitations of the pump
7.3.1 Flowmeter, portable, with an accuracy that is sufficient and battery.
to enable the volumetric flow rate to be measured to within 65 9.5.1 One method of calculating required sample volumes is
%. The flowmeter calibration by a provider accredited to to determine first the concentration range, over which it is
ISO/IEC 17025 for such calibrations shall be traceable to important to report an exact number, for example from 0.2 to
national or international standards. Retain the calibration 2 times the permissible exposure concentration, and then
certificate, including the pressure and temperature at which the calculate the sample volumes as follows:
calibration was performed, and identifying and performance Minimum sample volume, m 3 5 (1)
documentation for the flowmeter.
minimum detection limit, mg
8. Reagents 0.2 3 permissible exposure limit, mg/m 3
8.1 Activated Charcoal—Prior to being used to make sam- Maximum sample volume, m 3 5 (2)
pling devices the charcoal should be heated in an inert gas at an
tube capacity for vapors, mg
appropriate temperature for a sufficient time to ensure back-
2 3 permissible exposure limit, mg/m 3
ground of organic compounds sufficiently low as to not
interfere with the analysis of low concentrations of volatile 9.5.2 Select a sampling rate that, in the sampling time
organic compounds (VOC). Commercially available coconut- desired, will result in a sample volume between the minimum
shell charcoal (20/40 mesh) has been found to have adequate and maximum calculated in 9.5.1.
adsorption capacity for many volatile chemicals. Other 9.5.2.1 Generally a long sampling time at a low flow rate is
charcoals, such as petroleum-based charcoal and proprietary preferable to short-term, high-volume sampling. This is con-
charcoals, can be used for appropriate applications. sistent with the fact that most health standards are based on

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 D3686 − 20
8-h/day time-weighted averages of exposure concentrations. 9.8 Calculation of Sample Volume:
Often, two 4-h samples are preferable to a single 8-h sample so 9.8.1
that if one is lost then the other can be used to partially Sample volume, mL 5 pump flow rate ~mL/min! 3 sampling time ~min!
document exposure. Work practices may change during the day
(3)
and be better documented with two samples.
9.5.2.2 A sample flow rate of less than 10 mL/min, however, Typically, flow rate should be measured at or near the
should not be used. Calculations based upon diffusion coeffi- sampling site. Sample air volumes should not be corrected for
cients for several representative compounds indicate that sampling site temperature or barometric pressure.
sampling at less than 10 mL/min may not give accurate results
(6). 10. Handling and Shipping of Samples Collected on
9.5.2.3 Sampling information for a large number of organic Charcoal Sampling Tubes
chemicals is given in Annex A1, in the NIOSH Manual of 10.1 There is a lack of information on the stability of the
Analytical Methods, OSHA Chemical Sampling Information many different chemical species that can be collected on
file and methods, UK HSE MDHS database, and German activated charcoal and the variety of conditions to which these
BGIA GESTIS Analytical Methods database. Other appropri- samples may be exposed. Good practice suggests the follow-
ate sources of information and guidance, including Annex A1, ing:10
can also be used. 10.1.1 Use validated methods (for example NIOSH, OSHA,
9.5.3 When spot checks are being made of an environment, IFA or HSE)) when possible.
a sample volume of 10 L is adequate for determining vapor 10.1.2 Samples should be securely capped and clearly
concentrations in accordance with exposure guidelines. Par- identified.
ticularly volatile organic chemicals may require a lesser sample 10.1.3 Samples collected in charcoal tubes should not be
volume to prevent sampler saturation. Consult the above kept in warm places or exposed to direct sunlight.
sources for sampling information before sampling. 10.1.4 Samples of highly vaporous or low-boiling materials,
9.5.4 Periodically check the sampling system to ensure the such as vinyl chloride, should be stored and transported in dry
flow-rate remains within 5 % of the set flow. Some pumps ice or in another acceptable material. These samples should be
trigger alarms or shut-down if this occurs, while others may shipped using an overnight delivery service.
not. 10.1.5 At present there are no published test data on the
9.6 At the end of the sampling period, turn off the pump, effect of conditions in aircraft cargo holds on capped samples.
and record all pertinent information: time, register reading, and However, it is generally advisable to avoid shipping in unpres-
if pertinent, sampling site temperature, barometric pressure, surized aircraft cargo compartments.
and relative humidity. 10.1.6 Samples should be shipped to the analytical labora-
9.6.1 Seal the charcoal tube with the plastic caps provided. tory as soon as possible, under refrigeration where the method
9.6.2 Label the tube with the appropriate information to indicates a preference for storage under refrigeration, and
identify it. analyzed within the maximum period provided in the method.
9.6.3 Re-check the flow-rate through the sampling system a If no storage requirements are indicated, store all tubes under
representative charcoal tube (or an equivalent induced resis- refrigeration and analyze as soon after sampling as possible
tance) using the calibrated measurement instrument. Record (preferably within 5 days).
the flow-rate through the sampler as the average of the pre- and 10.1.7 Migration or equilibration of the sampled material
post- sampling flow-rate readings. If the flow-rate readings within the sampling tube during prolonged or adverse storage
differ by more than 5 %, both measurements should be or handling could be interpreted as break-through.
provided to the analytical laboratory for calculation of maxi- 10.1.8 Bulk solvent samples should never be shipped or
mum and minimum bounds to the concentration. Alternatively, stored with air samples or with sampling media.
the sample can be discarded. 10.1.9 Follow sampling chain of custody procedures in
accordance with Guide D4840 to ensure sample traceability.
9.7 At least one charcoal sampling tube should be presented Ensure that the documentation that accompanies the samples is
for analysis as a field blank with every 10 or 15 samples, or for suitable for a “chain of custody” to be established.
each specific inspection or field study.
9.7.1 Break the sealed ends off the field blank tube and cap 11. Keywords
it with the plastic caps. Do not draw air through the blank tube,
11.1 activated charcoal tube; air monitoring; charcoal tube;
but in all other ways treat it as an air sample.
organic vapors; sampling and analysis; workplace atmospheres
9.7.2 The purpose of the field blank is to assure that if the
sampling tubes adsorb vapors extraneous to the sampling
atmosphere, the presence of the contaminant will be detected 10
Two studies that present information pertinent to this section are Saalwaechter
on the field blank. (7) and Hill (8).

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 D3686 − 20
ANNEX

(Mandatory Information)

A1. INFORMATION OF SOME ORGANIC COMPOUND VAPORS THAT CAN BE COLLECTED ON COCONUT-SHELL
CHARCOAL
(100/50 mg tubes)

TABLE A1.1 Information of Some Organic Compound Vapors That can be Collected on Coconut-Shell Charcoal (100/50 mg tubes)
Recommended Sampling Rate, mL/min to Detect Approximately 15 to
200 % of PEL in Time GivenB Recommended Maximum
Substance PEL, ppm-mg/m3A
Tube Loading, mgC
2h 4h 8h
Acetonitrile, 40–70 50 25 25 2.7
Allyl alcohol, 2–5 200 100 50 <0.4
n-Amyl acetate, 100–525 50 25 10 15
sec-Amyl acetate, 125–650 50 25 10 15.5
Isoamyl alcohol, 100–360 50 25 10 10
Benzene, 10–31.3 100 100 50
Benzyl chloride, 1–5 — 200 200 <0.4
2-Butoxy ethanol, 50–240 100 50 25
n-Butyl acetate, 150–710 50 25 10 15
sec-Butyl acetate, 200–950 50 25 10 15
tert-Butyl acetate, 200–950 50 25 10 12.5
Butyl alcohol, 100–300 100 50 25 10.5
sec-Butyl alcohol, 150–450 50 25 10 6
tert-Butyl alcohol, 100–300 50 25 10 5
Butyl glycidyl ether, 50–270 100 50 25 11.5
p-tert-Butyl toluene, 10–60 100 50 25 2.5
Camphor, 0.32–2 200 100 50 13.4
Carbon disulfide, 20–60 200 100 50
Carbon tetrachloride, 10–55 200 100 50 7.5
Chlorobenzene, 75–350 50 25 10 15.5
D
Chlorobromomethane 200–1050 25 10 9.3
Chloroform, 50–240 100 50 25 11
Cumene, 50–245 50 25 10 11
D
Cyclohexane, 300–1050 25 10 6.3
Cyclohexanol, 50–200 100 50 25 10
D
Cyclohexene, 300–1015 25 10
Diacetone alcohol, 50–240 100 50 25 12
o-Dichlorobenzene 50–300 50 25 10 15
1,1-Dichloroethane, 100–400 50 25 10 7.5
D
1,2-Dichloroethylene, 200–790 25 10 5.1
p-Dioxane, 100–360 100 50 25 13
D
Dipropylene glycol methyl ether, 25 10
100–600
2-Ethoxyethyl acetate, 100–540 50 25 10 19
D
Ethyl acetate, 400–1400 25 10 12.5
D D D
Ethyl alcohol, 1000–1900 2.6
Ethyl benzene, 100–435 200 100 50 16
Ethyl bromide, 200–890 100 50 25 7.1
Ethyl butyl ketone, 50–230 50 25 10 <5.5
D D
Ethyl ether 400–1200 10 7.5
Ethyl formate, 100–300 50 25 10 4.8
Ethylene dibromide, 20–155 100 50 25 <10.7
Ethylene dichloride, 50–200 100 50 25 12
Glycidol, 50–150 100 50 25 22.5
D D
Heptane, 500–2000 10 12.5
D D
Hexane, 500–1800 10 11
Isoamyl acetate, 100–525 50 25 10 16.5
Isoamyl alcohol, 100–360 50 25 10 10
Isobutyl acetate, 150–700 50 25 10 14
Isobutyl alcohol, 100–300 50 25 10 10.5
D
Isopropyl acetate, 250–950 25 10 13
D
Isopropyl alcohol 400–980 25 10 5.6
Isopropyl glycidyl ether, 50–240 100 50 25 10.5
Mesityl oxide, 25–100 100 50 25 4.8
D
Methyl acetate, 200–610 25 10 7
D D
Methylal, 1000–3100 10 11.5
Methyl amyl ketone, 100–465 50 25 10 7.5
Methyl butyl ketone, 100–410 50 25 10 2.0
Methyl cellosolve, 25–80 100 50 25 10

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 D3686 − 20
TABLE A1.1 Continued
Recommended Sampling Rate, mL/min to Detect Approximately 15 to
200 % of PEL in Time GivenB Recommended Maximum
Substance PEL, ppm-mg/m3A
Tube Loading, mgC
2h 4h 8h
Methyl cellosolve acetate, 100 50 25 5
25–120
D
Methyl chloroform, 350–1900 25 10 18
D D
Methyl cyclohexane, 500–2000 10
Methyl isobutyl carbinol, 25–100 200 100 50 5.7
a-Methyl styrene, 100–480 100 50 25 21
D D
Methylene chloride, 500–1740 10 9.3
Naphtha (coal tar), 100–400 100 50 25 14.8
D D
n-octane, 500–2350 10 15
D D
Pentane, 1000–2950 10 9
D
2-Pentanone, 200–700 25 10
Perchloroethylene, 100–680 50 25 10 29
D D
Petroleum distillates, 500–2000 10 12.3
Phenyl ether vapor, 1–7 200 200 0.6
Phenyl glycidyl ether, 10–60 100 50 25 12.5
n-Propyl acetate, 200–840 50 25 10 14.5
n-Propyl alcohol, 200–500 50 25 10 9
D
Propylene oxide, 100–240 25 10 2
Pyridine, 5–15 200 100 50 <7.3
D D
Stoddard solvent, 500–2900 10 13
Styrene (monomer), 100–425 100 50 25 18
D D
1,1,1,2-Tetrachloro-2,2-difluoro 10 19.5
ethane, 500–4170
D D
1,1,1,2-Tetrachloro-1,2-difluoro 10 26
ethane, 500–4170
D
Tetrahydrofuran, 200–590 25 10 7.5
1,1,2-Trichloroethane, 10–55 100 50 25 5
Trichloroethylene, 100–535 100 50 25 21
D D
1,1,2-Trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoro 10 20
ethane, 1000–7660
Turpentine, 100–560 50 25 10 13
Vinyl toluene, 100–480 100 50 25 17
Acknowledgements: The information in this table comes from NIOSH Standards Completion Program (9). We gratefully acknowledge NIOSH’s contribution to this
table, by making available previously unpublished CV—T data.
A
Substances—The list does not contain all compounds for which the method is applicable. It lists only those for which reliable data could be obtained. PEL-Federal OSHA
Permissible Exposure Limits, as given in the Federal Register, June 1974, and updated May 1976. These values, which may be either ceiling limits or 8-h/day time weighted
average exposure limits, depending on the compound, are presented to give guidance in selecting sampling rates and times. Some of the listed substances may presently
have expanded OSHA standards. These values are subject to change by the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Check OSHA’s website:
http://www.osha.gov, for the most up-to-date information.
B
Recommended Sampling Rate—The suggested sampling rates for the different sampling periods are sufficient to provide a tube loading of at least 0.01 mg when
concentrations are 15 % of the listed PEL, but will not exceed the recommended tube loading when atmosphere are 200 % of the listed PEL. These figures are based on
the 100-mg coconut-shell charcoal tubes described in this practice
C
Recommended Maximum Tube Loading—These values are conservative, to allow for high humidity or the presence of other substances which reduce the normal tube
capacity.
D
Sampling rates of less than 10 mL/min are not recommended. Shorter sampling periods are required.

REFERENCES

(1) “Second NIOSH Solid Sorbents Roundtable,” Ed. E. V. Ballou, 1976, Vapors with Polyurethane Foam,” Analytical Chemistry, Vol 49, 1977,
NIOSH Publication No. 76–193. pp. 7–10.
(2) White, L. D., Taylor, D. G., Mauer, P. A., and Kupel, R. E., “A (6) Heitbrink, W. A., “Diffusion Effects Under Low Flow Conditions,”
Convenient Optimized Method for the Analysis of Selected Solvent American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Vol 44, No. 6,
Vapors in the Industrial Atmosphere,” American Industrial Hygiene 1983, pp. 453–462.
Association Journal, Vol 31, 1970, pp. 225–232. (7) Saalwaechter, A. T., et al., “Performance Testing of the NIOSH
(3) Otterson, E. J., and Guy, C. U., “A Method of Atmospheric Solvent Charcoal Tube Technique for the Determination of Air Concentrations
Vapor Sampling on Activated Charcoal in Connection with Gas of Organic Vapors,” American Industrial Hygiene Association
Chromatography,” Transactions of the 26th Annual Meeting of the Journal, Vol 38, No. 9, September 1977, pp. 476–486.
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, (8) Hill, R. H., Jr., et al., “Gas Chromatographic Determination of Vinyl
Philadelphia, 1964, pp. 37–46. Chloride in Air Samples Collected on Charcoal,” Analytical
(4) Reid, F. H., and Halpin, W. R., “Determination of Halogenated and Chemistry, Vol 48, No. 9, August 1976, pp. 1395–1398.
Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Air by Charcoal Tube and Gas (9) Taylor, D. G., Kupel, R. E., and Bryant, J. M., “Documentation of
Chromatography,” American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, NIOSH Validation Tests,” DHEW (NIOSH), Pub. No. 77-185. Avail-
July–August 1968, pp. 390–396. able from National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA
(5) Turner, B. C., and Glotfelty, D. E., “Field Sampling of Pesticide 22161 (PB274-248).

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 D3686 − 20
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