NBN ISO 16000-33:2021

This document specifies the sampling and analysis of phthalates in indoor air and describes the
sampling and analysis of phthalates in house dust and in solvent wipe samples of surfaces by means of
gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.
Two alternative sampling and processing methods, whose comparability has been proven in a round
robin test, are specified for indoor air[4]. Sampling can take place using sorbent tubes with subsequent
thermal desorption and GC-MS analysis. Alternatively, sampling can take on other types of sorbent
tubes that are subsequently analysed by solvent extraction with GC-MS.
Depending on the sampling method, the compounds dimethyl phthalate to diisoundecylphthalate
can be analysed in house dust as described in Annex C[8]. The investigation of house dust samples is
only appropriate as a screening method. This investigation only results in indicative values and is not
acceptable for a final assessment of a potential need for action.
Dimethyl phthalate to diisoundecylphthalate can be analysed in solvent wipe samples as described in
Annex B. Solvent wipe samples are suitable for non-quantitative source identification.
NOTE In principle, the method is also suitable for the analysis of other phthalates, adipates and cyclohexane
dicarboxylic acid esters, but this is confirmed by determination of the performance characteristics in each case.
General information on phthalates are given in Annex A.