ASTM D 8591 : 2024

1.1This test method covers the detection and quantification of fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs), a group of volatile and semivolatile per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), in air samples collected on thermal desorption (TD) tubes by thermal desorption-gas chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS/MS) in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode.

1.2This test method has been validated in a single lab for 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorohexan-1-ol (4:2 FTOH; CAS No. 2043-47-2), 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorooctan-1-ol (6:2 FTOH; CAS No. 647-42-7), 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorodecan-1-ol (8:2 FTOH; CAS No. 678-39-7), and 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorododecan-1-ol (10:2 FTOH; CAS No. 865-86-1) as target analytes.

1.3This test method is not limited to these target analytes; however, the applicability of this test method to other volatile and semivolatile PFAS shall be demonstrated by meeting or exceeding the performance criteria of this test method.

1.4This test method has been validated for air samples collected from test chambers. It may be applicable to indoor air samples, including samples of interior vehicle and workplace air, air from associated sampling containers, such as sampling bags or bottles, as well as ambient outdoor air samples; however, the applicability of this test method to other types of air samples shall be demonstrated by meeting or exceeding the performance criteria of this test method.

1.5This test method is to be used in concert with approved standards for conducting air sampling, such as Practice D6196 (choosing sorbents, sampling parameters, and thermal desorption analytical conditions for monitoring volatile organic chemicals in air), and for conducting chamber tests, such as Practice D7706 (micro-scale chamber), Guide D5116 (small-scale chamber), Practice D6670 (full-scale chamber), or Practice D7143 (emission cells).

1.6Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.7This 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.

1.8This 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.