Solid phase microextraction sampling for a rapid and simple on-site evaluation of volatile organic compounds emitted from building materials

A new sampling method was developed for a simple and fast evaluation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted at trace levels from building materials. The device involves an emission cell coupled with solid phase microextraction (SPME) for diffusive sampling. Owing to possible competitive adsorption of VOCs onto the PDMS–Carboxen fiber used, the co-adsorption conditions were determined through kinetics study of isolated and in mixture compounds. Hence, the linear concentration ranges which ensure reliable quantification were determined from 4.8 to 10 mg m−3 min according to the VOC studied. Thus, the analyst can select the extraction time that fits for his best analytical objectives. For example, sub μg m−3 limits of detection can be achieved for GC–MS analysis for 20 min extraction. On the other hand, 5 min sampling is sufficient for a rapid screening of the major emitted VOCs, since the average limit of quantification reaches 20 μg m−3 for GC-FID analysis.