eco-INSTITUT is of the first laboratories to implement analysis method for acrolein (or propenal, CAS 107-02-8) in accordance with Annex A in the new draft of ISO 16000-3:2025-09.

The current version of DIN ISO 16000-3:2023-12 excludes the analysis of acrolein from the scope of the standard, as the DNPH method described is not suitable for the accurate quantification of acrolein. Due to the reactivity of acrolein, reaction products are formed, resulting in several peaks with unstable peak ratios.
Analytics in accordance with DIN ISO 16000-6:2022 is also not suitable for reliable determination due to the volatility and high reactivity of acrolein. Analytics in accordance with DIN ISO 16000-6:2022 are also not suitable for reliable determination due to the volatility and high reactivity of acrolein.

This resulted in a gap in the analysis, as no standardised method for the precise quantification of acrolein was available.

In 2025, the Committee for Indoor Air Quality Guidelines (AIR) published a guideline value 1 (RW1) of 6.0 µg/m³ and an RW2 of 12 µg/m³ (guideline values for acrolein (acrylic aldehyde) in indoor air – GERMAN), making the introduction of a reliable analysis method highly relevant.

The new method from the draft ISO 16000-3:2025-09 is generally based on the DIN ISO 16000-6 procedure. However, the air samples must be collected on special Carbograph® sorption tubes and the acrolein must be fed into a GC/MS system by thermal desorption. However, the high volatility of acrolein places special demands on the analysis, which is why an adjustment of the analysis system is necessary. We therefore provide a separate system that requires, among other things, a different cold trap and GC column (difference to the Tenax TA® method).

Implementation by eco-INSTITUT: Special analysis system and new service

eco-INSTITUT offers the new service on request, both as part of test chamber measurements and as an analysis service for samplers (e.g. experts) in buildings. For this purpose, Carbograph® tubes are provided on loan, as is already the case with Tenax TA® tubes.

We look forward to receiving your enquiries at info@eco-institut.de or +49 221 931245-0.