ASTM D6306-17

Standard Guide for Placement and Use of Diffusive Samplers for Gaseous Pollutants in Indoor Air

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Diffusive samplers provide a useful sampling option for studying time-weighted average indoor air concentrations of vapor-phase pollutants. They are easy and cost-effective to deploy enabling the collection of relatively large data sets.  
5.2 The objective of this guide is to provide guidance for the placement and use of diffusive samplers that when uniformly applied enables the user to eliminate many potential interferences that may occur in diffusive sampling of indoor air. Since the analysis of the indoor environment by diffusive sampling is influenced by many factors other than the method of sampling, efforts are made to minimize interfering factors and maintain the air at conditions typical of the measurement location within the vicinity of the diffusive sampler. However, when performing certain diagnostic or special measurements, non-typical indoor air environmental conditions may be desirable or required. Thus, the objectives of a sampling study determine the conditions needed for sampling.  
5.3 Diffusive sampling provides for time integrated measurements. Diffusive samplers are usually placed in an indoor environment over a time period to obtain a time weighted average concentration; hence, interfering factors potentially occurring over this period should be anticipated and eliminated where possible. Diffusive samplers often lack the sensitivity to measure short-term peak concentrations.  
5.4 With suitable instruction regarding placement of diffusive samplers, placement, and retrieval of the samplers can be performed by unskilled personnel (for example, occupants).
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers the placement and use of diffusive samplers in an indoor environment.  
1.2 The primary use of diffusive samplers is to measure the exposure concentrations of specific gaseous air contaminants for occupants in a variety of indoor environments.  
1.3 Diffusive samplers within this guide are used to measure concentrations of air contaminants in residences, public buildings, offices, and other non-industrial environments. A diffusive sampler is any air sampler that does not utilize electrical or mechanical power in order to supply air to the sorbent media or chemical reactant within the sampler and that samples according to Fick’s first law of diffusion.  
1.4 The purpose of this guide is to ensure uniformity of sampling within a variety of indoor environments and to facilitate comparison of results.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.7 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2017
• ICS: 13.040.99 - Other standards related to air quality
• Technical Committee: D22 - Air Quality
• Drafting Committee: D22.05 - Indoor Air

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D6306-10 - Standard Guide for Placement and Use of Diffusion Controlled Passive Monitors for Gaseous Pollutants in Indoor Air
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM D1356-20a - Standard Terminology Relating to Sampling and Analysis of Atmospheres
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2020
• Refers: ASTM D1356-20 - Standard Terminology Relating to Sampling and Analysis of Atmospheres
• Effective Date: 15-Mar-2020
• Refers: ASTM D1357-95(2019) - Standard Practice for Planning the Sampling of the Ambient Atmosphere
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM D4840-99(2018)e1 - Standard Guide for Sample Chain-of-Custody Procedures
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2018
• Refers: ASTM D6196-15 - Standard Practice for Choosing Sorbents, Sampling Parameters and Thermal Desorption Analytical Conditions for Monitoring Volatile Organic Chemicals in Air
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM D1356-15a - Standard Terminology Relating to Sampling and Analysis of Atmospheres
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2015
• Refers: ASTM D1356-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Sampling and Analysis of Atmospheres
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2015
• Refers: ASTM D1356-14b - Standard Terminology Relating to Sampling and Analysis of Atmospheres
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2014
• Refers: ASTM D1356-14a - Standard Terminology Relating to Sampling and Analysis of Atmospheres
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM D1356-14 - Standard Terminology Relating to Sampling and Analysis of Atmospheres
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2014
• Refers: ASTM D1357-95(2011) - Standard Practice for Planning the Sampling of the Ambient Atmosphere
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2011
• Refers: ASTM D1356-05(2010) - Standard Terminology Relating to Sampling and Analysis of Atmospheres
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2010
• Refers: ASTM D4840-99(2010) - Standard Guide for Sampling Chain-of-Custody Procedures
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2010
• Refers: ASTM D6196-03(2009) - Standard Practice for Selection of Sorbents, Sampling, and Thermal Desorption Analysis Procedures for Volatile Organic Compounds in Air
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2009

Overview

ASTM D6306-17: Standard Guide for Placement and Use of Diffusive Samplers for Gaseous Pollutants in Indoor Air provides guidance for measuring time-weighted average concentrations of indoor gaseous pollutants using diffusive (passive) samplers. Developed by ASTM International, this standard emphasizes consistent placement, handling, and analysis of diffusive samplers within indoor environments such as residences, offices, schools, and public buildings.

Diffusive samplers offer a simple and cost-effective air quality monitoring option. As they do not require electrical or mechanical power and collect samples over extended periods by the process of diffusion, they are especially suitable for wide-scale indoor air monitoring programs.

Key Topics

• Scope and Purpose: The standard covers recommendations for deploying diffusive samplers to assess air contaminant concentrations in various non-industrial indoor settings. Its objective is to achieve uniform sampling, minimize interferences, and enable reliable comparison of results.

• Diffusive Sampler Principles:

  • Operate according to Fick’s first law of diffusion.
  • Do not depend on powered air movement.
  • Provide time-integrated, averaged measurements rather than capturing short-term concentration peaks.

• Placement and Handling:

  • Placement should be at representative locations, away from known point sources or environmental extremes.
  • Proper logbook documentation for sampler identification, location coordinates, environment, and deployment conditions is essential.
  • Deployment zones should avoid high humidity, direct airflow, temperature extremes, and close proximity to pollutant sources unless specifically targeted.

• Sampling Considerations:

  • Air velocity, temperature, humidity, and sampling duration must be recorded and considered.
  • Detailed instructions should be provided if untrained individuals (occupants) are involved in sampler deployment or retrieval.
  • Quality control measures include use of blanks, duplicates, and chain-of-custody records.

• Limitations:

  • Diffusive samplers are generally not suitable for detecting short-term concentration spikes or very low-level contaminants below their sensitivity thresholds.

Applications

• Indoor Air Quality Assessment: Evaluate chronic exposure risks from contaminants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other gaseous pollutants in homes, workplaces, and public spaces.
• Health and Safety Compliance: Support studies related to regulatory air quality standards, assess exposure for building occupants, and investigate air complaints or health-related incidents.
• Building and HVAC Evaluation: Inform building ventilation design, diagnose indoor environmental issues, and assess the effectiveness of air cleaning or ventilation strategies.
• Research and Screening Projects: Efficiently collect large datasets for spatial and temporal trends in indoor air contamination using diffusive samplers, enabling broad surveys and large multi-site studies.

Related Standards

• ASTM D1356: Terminology Relating to Sampling and Analysis of Atmospheres
• ASTM D1357: Practice for Planning the Sampling of the Ambient Atmosphere
• ASTM D4597: Practice for Sampling Workplace Atmospheres to Collect Gases or Vapors with Solid Sorbent Diffusive Samplers
• ASTM D3614: Guide for Laboratories Engaged in Sampling and Analysis of Atmospheres and Emissions
• ASTM D4840: Guide for Sample Chain-of-Custody Procedures
• ASTM D6196: Practice for Choosing Sorbents, Sampling Parameters and Thermal Desorption Analytical Conditions for Monitoring Volatile Organic Chemicals in Air

Practical Value

By following ASTM D6306-17, stakeholders-such as indoor air quality consultants, facility managers, researchers, and regulatory bodies-can ensure reliable, consistent, and comparable results in indoor air monitoring. The guidance streamlines deployment, minimizes sampling interferences, and strengthens data quality assurance, making it a critical reference for passive monitoring of indoor air pollutants. For ongoing air quality management and studies, adhering to this standard helps protect occupant health and meet compliance objectives.

Standards Content (Sample)

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: D6306 − 17
Standard Guide for
Placement and Use of Diffusive Samplers for Gaseous
Pollutants in Indoor Air
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6306; 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 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This guide covers the placement and use of diffusive
D1356 Terminology Relating to Sampling and Analysis of
samplers in an indoor environment.
Atmospheres
1.2 The primary use of diffusive samplers is to measure the
D1357 Practice for Planning the Sampling of the Ambient
exposure concentrations of specific gaseous air contaminants
Atmosphere
for occupants in a variety of indoor environments.
D3614 Guide for Laboratories Engaged in Sampling and
Analysis of Atmospheres and Emissions
1.3 Diffusivesamplerswithinthisguideareusedtomeasure
D4840 Guide for Sample Chain-of-Custody Procedures
concentrations of air contaminants in residences, public
D6196 Practice for Choosing Sorbents, Sampling Param-
buildings, offices, and other non-industrial environments. A
eters and Thermal Desorption Analytical Conditions for
diffusive sampler is any air sampler that does not utilize
Monitoring Volatile Organic Chemicals in Air
electrical or mechanical power in order to supply air to the
sorbent media or chemical reactant within the sampler and that
3. Terminology
samples according to Fick’s first law of diffusion.
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this guide,
1.4 The purpose of this guide is to ensure uniformity of refer to Terminology D1356.
sampling within a variety of indoor environments and to
4. Summary of Guide
facilitate comparison of results.
4.1 Contaminants in air are sampled by collection with a
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
sorbent or chemically reactive medium in order to undergo
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
subsequent analysis for determination of concentration. Con-
standard.
taminants in air are transported to the sorption medium or
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the reacting chemical through vapor or gas diffusion. During the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the sampling process, the compounds, in a molecular state, diffuse
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- from the environment adjacent to the sampler through a first
region of defined geometric structure and into a second
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. adsorbing region containing the sorbent. Samplers are resealed
at the end of the exposure period and sent to a laboratory for
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
analysis.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.2 Guidance is provided for the placement, handling, and
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
use of diffusive samplers within an indoor environment.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5. Significance and Use
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.1 Diffusive samplers provide a useful sampling option for
studying time-weighted average indoor air concentrations of
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D22 on Air
Quality and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D22.05 on Indoor Air. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2017. Published October 2017. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as D6306 – 10. DOI:
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D6306-17.
the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6306 − 17
vapor-phase pollutants. They are easy and cost-effective to shipment.Dependingonthetypeofsampleranditssubsequent
deploy enabling the collection of relatively large data sets. analysis, the user should not directly contact the sampler with
bare skin and, in no case, permit anything to contact the
5.2 Theobjectiveofthisguideistoprovideguidanceforthe
sampling opening or surface.
placement and use of diffusive samplers that when uniformly
applied enables the user to eliminate many potential interfer-
7.2 Sampling Time (Exposure Period)—Determine the re-
ences that may occur in diffusive sampling of indoor air. Since
quired sampling time from the manufacturer’s guidance and
the analysis of the indoor environment by diffusive sampling is
taking in to account the sampling rates published for the
influenced by many factors other than the method of sampling,
specific target compounds. Determine if the associated analyti-
efforts are made to minimize interfering factors and maintain
cal sensitivity will be sufficient given the study objectives and
theairatconditionstypicalofthemeasurementlocationwithin
the expected air concentrations.
the vicinity of the diffusive sampler. However, when perform-
NOTE 1—Information relating to calibration of the system used for
ing certain diagnostic or special measurements, non-typical
subsequent analysis is described separately, in relevant standards (for
indoor air environmental conditions may be desirable or
example, Practice D6196).
required. Thus, the objectives of a sampling study determine
7.3 The sampling period begins when the lid, cover, or
the conditions needed for sampling.
protective container of the sampler is removed to permit air to
5.3 Diffusive sampling provides for time integrated mea-
enter the sampler. The starting date and time of the sampling
surements. Diffusive samplers are usually placed in an indoor
period should be transcribed to a logbook or an appropriate
environment over a time period to obtain a time weighted
form and on the sampler label. The writing instrument, for
average concentration; hence, interfering factors potentially
example, a marker, should not be a source of potential
occurring over this period should be anticipated and eliminated
contamination to the sample. An adequate means of resealing
where possible. Diffusive samplers often lack the sensitivity to
or replacing the sampler lid or cover should be ensured. (See,
measure short-term peak concentrations.
for example, Practice D6196.)
5.4 With suitable instruction regarding placement of diffu-
7.4 Each sampler should have a permanently attached iden-
sive samplers, placement, and retrieval of the samplers can be
tification code or serial number that should be transcribed to a
performed by unskilled personnel (for example, occupants).
logbook or an appropriate form. The logbook should include
6. General Principles information describing the location of each sampler and
pertinent information regarding the building and the deploy-
6.1 The choice of a diffusive sampler, characteristics of the
ment area, such as construction, type of heating system,
sampling site, number of sampling points, sampling duration,
occupancy number and patterns, locations of major appliances,
number of samplers, and number of sampling periods depends
presence of possible sinks/sources, locations of air vents and
on the objectives of the sampling program.
air management systems, and other relevant features. Include a
6.2 Diffusive samplers rely on air currents within an indoor
diagramofthesamplinglocationsinthebuildingorstudyarea,
environment for circulation of a representative sample atmo-
depicting the major features listed herein. If the occupant
sphere in the vicinity of the sampler. Therefore, it is essential
deploys the samplers, detailed instructions should be provided
that air circulation in the vicinity of the sampler be sufficient to
regarding proper location selection and sampling procedures.
maintain representative ambient concentrations near the moni-
An organized form should be provided for easy collection of
toring surface and prevent localized concentration depletion by
occupant recorded information.
the sampler.
7.5 If the sampler is deployed for other than a screening
6.3 The objective of the study may affect the type of
measurement, the sampler should be placed by an experienced
sampler selected and its positioning. In general terms, Practice
professional familiar with the sampler used.
D1357willacquainttheuserwithoverallstudyconsiderations.
7.6 Recovery of the Diffusive Sampler:
6.4 The study design typically needs to take into consider-
7.6.1 The sampling or exposure period is terminated when
ation a wide range of building operating parameters and
thesamplerissealedsothataircannolongerenterthesampler.
conditions. The success of the study, in many cases, will
7.6.2 Record the date and time of termination of sample
depend upon controlling or quantifying key parameters such as
collection in a logbook or on an appropriate form and on the
building ventilation and occupancy as examples.
sampler label.
6.5 The following sections provide numerous recommenda-
7.6.3 Adequate information should be entered into the
tions for procedures, precautions, and other courses of action.
logbook or an appropriate form to permit assessment of data
Decisions regarding all of these actions are to be made based
quality and the interpretation of results. Any variation in the
ontheobjectivesofthestudyanditsdataqualityrequirements.
sampling location, building structure, or building systems
7. Sampling with Diffusive Samplers
should be recorded.
7.1 Inspect the sampler and package carefully. The sampler 7.6.4 The sampler should be analyzed within the time
or its protective packaging may have been damaged during specifications of the specific sampler used.
----------------
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D6306 − 10 D6306 − 17
Standard Guide for
Placement and Use of Diffusion Controlled Passive Monitors
Diffusive Samplers for Gaseous Pollutants in Indoor Air
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6306; 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
1.1 This guide covers the placement and use of diffusion controlled monitors in the indoor atmosphere.diffusive samplers in an
indoor environment.
1.2 The primary use of diffusive samplers is to measure the exposure concentrations of specific gaseous air contaminants for
occupants in a variety of indoor environments.
1.3 Diffusion controlled passive monitors Diffusive samplers within this guide include both area and personal monitors for
useare used to measure concentrations of air contaminants in residences, public buildings, offices, and other non-industrial
workplaces and dwelling environments. A passive monitordiffusive sampler is any air monitorsampler that does not utilize
electrical or mechanical power in order to supply air to the sorbent media or chemical reactant within the monitorsampler and
sample that samples according to Fick’sFick’s first law of diffusion.
1.4 The purpose of this guide is to ensure uniformity of sampling within a variety of indoor environments and to facilitate
comparison of results.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.7 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1356 Terminology Relating to Sampling and Analysis of Atmospheres
D1357 Practice for Planning the Sampling of the Ambient Atmosphere
D4597 Practice for Sampling Workplace Atmospheres to Collect Gases or Vapors with Solid Sorbent Diffusive Samplers
D3614 Guide for Laboratories Engaged in Sampling and Analysis of Atmospheres and Emissions
D4840 Guide for Sample Chain-of-Custody Procedures
D6196 Practice for Choosing Sorbents, Sampling Parameters and Thermal Desorption Analytical Conditions for Monitoring
Volatile Organic Chemicals in Air
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this guide, refer to Terminology D1356.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 passive monitor—a diffusion controlled air monitor that does not utilize electrical or mechanical power in order to supply
air to the sorbent media or chemical reactant within the monitor. These monitors may be worn by an individual (personal passive
monitor) or used as sampling devices within specific locations (area passive monitor).
This methodguide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D22 on Air Quality and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D22.05 on Indoor Air.
Current edition approved April 1, 2010Oct. 1, 2017. Published April 2010October 2017. Originally approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 20032010 as
D6306 – 98 (2003).D6306 – 10. DOI: 10.1520/D6306-10.10.1520/D6306-17.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6306 − 17
4. Summary of Guide
4.1 Contaminants in air are sampled by collection with a sorbent or chemically reactive medium in order to undergo subsequent
analysis for determination of concentration. Contaminants in air are transported to the sorption medium or reacting chemical
through vapor or gas diffusion. During the sampling process, the compounds, in a molecular state, diffuse from the environment
adjacent to the sampler through a first region of defined geometric structure and into a second adsorbing region containing the
sorbent. Samplers are resealed at the end of the exposure period and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
4.2 Guidance is provided for the placement, handling, and use of passive air monitors diffusive samplers within an indoor
environment.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Diffusive samplers provide a useful sampling option for studying time-weighted average indoor air concentrations of
vapor-phase pollutants. They are easy and cost-effective to deploy enabling the collection of relatively large data sets.
5.2 The objective of this guide is to provide guidance for the placement and use of passive monitorsdiffusive samplers that when
uniformly applied enables the user to eliminate many interferences in thepotential interferences that may occur in diffusive
sampling of indoor air. Since the analysis of the indoor environment by passive air monitors diffusive sampling is influenced by
many factors other than the method of sampling, efforts are made to minimize interfering factors and maintain the air at conditions
typical of the measurement location within the vicinity of the passive air monitor. diffusive sampler. However, when performing
certain diagnostic or special measurements, non-typical indoor air environmentenvironmental conditions may be desirable or
required. Thus, the objectives of a sampling study may determine the conditions needed for sampling.
5.3 PassiveDiffusive sampling provides for time integrated measurements. Passive monitorsDiffusive samplers are usually
placed in an indoor environment over a time period to obtain a cumulative sample; time weighted average concentration; hence,
interfering factors potentially occurring over this period should be anticipated and eliminated where possible. Passive
monitorsDiffusive samplers often lack the sensitivity to measure short-term peak concentrations.
5.4 With suitable instruction regarding placement of passive monitors, placementdiffusive samplers, placement, and retrieval of
the monitorssamplers can be performed by unskilled personnel (for example, occupants).
6. General Principles
6.1 The choice of a passive monitor,diffusive sampler, characteristics of the sampling site, number of sampling points, sampling
duration, number of monitors,samplers, and number of sampling periods depends on the objectives of the monitoringsampling
program.
6.2 Passive monitorsDiffusive samplers rely on air currents within an indoor environment for circulation of a representative
sample atmosphere toin the vicinity of the monitor.sampler. Therefore, it is essential that air circulation in the vicinity of the
sampler be sufficient to keep the boundary layer thin enough so that the analyte can diffuse across it, preventing a maintain
representative ambient concentrations near the monitoring surface and prevent localized concentration depletion by the monitor.
The adequacy of the sampling is directly influenced by the location and subsequent exposure of the monitor to a representative
indoor atmosphere.sampler.
6.3 The objective of the study may affect the type of monitorsampler selected and the location of placement. its positioning. In
general terms, Practice D1357 will acquaint the user with established overall study considerations.
6.4 The study design typically needs to take into consideration a wide range of building operating parameters and conditions.
The success of the study, in many cases, will depend upon controlling or quantifying key parameters such as building ventilation
and occupancy as examples.
6.5 The following sections provide numerous recommendations for procedures, precautions, and other courses of action.
Decisions regarding all of these actions are to be made based on the objectives of the study and its data quality requirements.
7. Sampling with Passive MonitorsDiffusive Samplers
7.1 Inspect the monitorsampler and package carefully. The monitorsampler or its protective packaging may have been damaged
during shipment. The Depending on the type of sampler and its subsequent analysis, the user should not directly contact the
monitorsampler with bare skin and, in no case, permit anything to contact the sampling face.opening or surface.
7.2 Calibration of the Passive Monitor—Sampling Time (Exposure Period)—Information relating to calibration may be found
in PracticeDetermine the required sampling time from the manufacturer’s guidance and taking in to account the sampling rates
published for D4597. These documents also provide information relating to the determination of the required minimum sampling
time.the specific target compounds. Determine if the associated analytical sensitivity will be sufficient given the study objectives
and the expected air concentrations.
NOTE 1—Information relating to calibration of the system used for subsequent analysis is described separately, in relevant standards (for example,
Practice D6196).
D6306 − 17
7.3 The sampling period begins when the lid, cover, or protective container of the monitorsampler is removed to permit
sampling by the monitor.air to enter the sampler. The starting date and time of the sampling period should be transcribed to a
logbook or an appropriate form and on the monitorsampler label. The writing instrument, for example, markers, a marker, should
not provide the potential of be a source of potential contamination to the monitor. A sample. An adequate means of resealing or
replacing the monitorsampler lid or cover should be ensured. (See, for example, Practice D6196.)
7.4 The monitorEach sampler should have a permanently attached identification code or serial number that should be transcribed
to a logbook or an appropriate form. The logbook should include information describing the location of the monitoreach sampler
and pertinent information regarding the building and the deployment area, such as construction, type of heating system, insulation,
occupancy number and patterns, and major appliance location. A room deployment should additionally list location within the
room: activities, general location of furnishings, possible sinks/sources, vents, and locations of major appliances, presence of
possible sinks/sources, locations of air vents and air management systems, and other relevant features. Include a diagram of the
sampling location and building, depicting the information listed in this subsection. locations in the building or study area, depicting
the major features listed herein. If the occupant deploys the monitor, sufficientsamplers, detailed instructions should be
includedprovided regarding proper location selection and sampling procedures. A An organized form should be includedprovided
for easy collection of occupant information necessary for logbook entries.recorded information.
7.5 If the monitorsampler is deployed for other than a screening measurement, the monitorsampler should be placed by an
experienced professional familiar with the monitor used. For specific diagnostic measurements, a deviation from the guidelines in
this document is permissible.sampler used.
7.6 Recovery of the Passive Monitor:Diffusive Sampler:
7.6.1 The sampling or exposure period is terminated when the monitor is sealed and removed from the sampling
environment.sampler is sealed so that air can no longer enter the sampler.
7.6.2 Record the time and date for measurement terminationdate and time of termination of sample collection in a logbook or
on anyan appropriate form and on the monitor label. Any damage to the monitor or variation in the monitor placement since
deployment should be noted in the logbook or on any appropriate form.sampler label.
7.6.3 Adequate information should be entered into the logbook or an appropriate form to permit interpretation of results and
comparison to similar measurements. assessment of data quality and the interpretation of results. Any variation in the sampling
location, building structure, or building systems should be noted.recorded.
7.6.4 The monitorsampler should be analyzed within the time specifications of the specific monitorsampler used.
D6306 − 17
8. Procedure
8.1 Factors Affecting Use of Passive Monitors:Diffusive Sampler:
8.1.1 Detection Limit—The detection limitsampling rate for the passive monitordiffusive sampler may preclude obtaining useful
results if the concentration in the test area is insufficient to exceed the analytical detection limit during the minimum sampling
duration.
8.1.1.1 Minimum Sampling Duration—The duration of sampling can affect the results obtained. If the concentration in the air
is low, a short sampling time may not produce an acceptable mass of sampled material on the monitor. Monitorssampler. Samplers
may require a minimum sampling duration to achieve representativemeasureable results.
8.1.2 Accuracy—The accuracy of the monitorsampler selected should be appropriate for the testing purpose. The duration of
sampling and the exposure concentration purpose of the study. Variations in sampling rate associated with air movement in the
vicinity of the sampler may affect the technically claimed accuracy (see accuracy.10.2).
8.1.3 Precision—Precision of all monitorssamplers should be determined for each use through the application of sampler lot
blanks, field blank samples, duplicates, and laboratory controls. Five percent of the monitors should be held for blanks and 10 %
used as duplicates controls associated with analysis (see 10.210.3).
8.1.4 Selectivity—The monitorsampler chosen should be as selective as possible for the contaminant species and concentration
range of interest to avoid problems of interference.
8.1.5 Interferences—Some passive monitors will measure The analysis of some diffusive samplers may include the
measurement of multiple contaminants as a single integrated result, that is, poor selectivity. The concentration of the interfering
species may o
...