M/316 - Poly-Aromathic-Hydrocarbons
Standardization mandate to CEN for standard measuring methods of benzo(a)pyrene in ambient air
Mandate M/316 assigns CEN the task of developing standardized measurement methods for benzo(a)pyrene in ambient air. The objective is to ensure consistent, reliable detection and quantification of this poly-aromatic hydrocarbon to support air quality monitoring and regulatory compliance across European member states. This harmonization facilitates improved environmental protection and public health safeguarding by enabling comparable data collection and assessment of benzo(a)pyrene pollution levels. The mandate was subject to approval as per resolution CEN/BT C130/2001.
Purpose
The mandate M/316 aims to establish standardized measuring methods specifically for benzo(a)pyrene, a poly-aromatic hydrocarbon, in ambient air. This standardization supports consistent and reliable monitoring of this pollutant across the European Union.
Standardisation request
The European Commission requests the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) to develop and implement harmonized measurement methods for benzo(a)pyrene in ambient air. These standards are intended to provide a uniform approach to sampling, analysis, and quantification.
Expected deliverables
CEN is expected to deliver formal European standards that define:
- The sampling procedures for benzo(a)pyrene in ambient air.
- The analytical methods for detecting and quantifying benzo(a)pyrene levels.
- Quality assurance and quality control processes to ensure measurement reliability.
Context
Benzo(a)pyrene is a recognized carcinogenic pollutant regulated under European air quality legislation. Accurate, harmonized measurement techniques are essential for compliance monitoring, public health assessments, and informing policy decisions. The (Dis-)Approval decision recorded in CEN/BT C130/2001 formalizes the mandate addressing these needs.
This mandate covers the development of standard measuring methods for benzo(a)pyrene, a poly-aromathic hydrocarbon, in ambient air. The scope focuses on standardized procedures for monitoring air quality by quantifying benzo(a)pyrene concentrations in the environment.
General Information
This document specifies a measurement method for the determination of particulate benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) in ambient air, which can be used in the framework of the Council Directive 96/62/EC [1] and the Directive 2004/107/EC [2]. This document specifies performance characteristics and performance criteria to which the method should comply when it is used as a reference method. The performance characteristics of the measurement method are based on a sampling period of 24 h.
This document describes a measurement method which comprises sampling of BaP as part of the PM10 particles, sample extraction and analysis by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detector (FLD) or by gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (GC/MS). The method is applicable for the measurement of BaP in the concentration range from approx. 0,04 ng/m3 to approximately 20 ng/m3.
The lower limit of the applicable range depends on the noise level of the detector and the variability of the laboratory filter blank.
NOTE If the BaP concentration exceeds the calibration range the extract can be diluted.
- Standard51 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies a measurement method for the determination of particulate benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) in ambient air, which can be used in the framework of the Council Directive 96/62/EC [1] and the Directive 2004/107/EC [2]. This document specifies performance characteristics and performance criteria to which the method should comply when it is used as a reference method. The performance characteristics of the measurement method are based on a sampling period of 24 h.
This document describes a measurement method which comprises sampling of BaP as part of the PM10 particles, sample extraction and analysis by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detector (FLD) or by gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (GC/MS). The method is applicable for the measurement of BaP in the concentration range from approx. 0,04 ng/m3 to approximately 20 ng/m3.
The lower limit of the applicable range depends on the noise level of the detector and the variability of the laboratory filter blank.
NOTE If the BaP concentration exceeds the calibration range the extract can be diluted.
- Standard51 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
Frequently Asked Questions
A European Standardization Mandate is a formal request from the European Commission to the European Standardization Organizations (CEN, CENELEC, and ETSI) to develop European standards (ENs) in support of EU legislation and policies. Mandates are issued under Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012 and help ensure that products and services meet the essential requirements set out in EU directives and regulations.
M/316 is a European Standardization Mandate titled "Standardization mandate to CEN for standard measuring methods of benzo(a)pyrene in ambient air". Standardization mandate to CEN for standard measuring methods of benzo(a)pyrene in ambient air There are 2 standards developed under this mandate.
Standards developed in response to a mandate and cited in the Official Journal of the European Union become "harmonized standards". Products manufactured in compliance with harmonized standards benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation, facilitating CE marking and market access across the European Economic Area.