ISO 16000-6:2004 specifies a method for determination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor air and in air sampled for the determination of the emission of VOCs from building materials using test chambers and cells. The method is based on use of Tenax TA® sorbent with subsequent thermal desorption and gas chromatographic analysis.

The method is applicable to the measurement of non-polar and slightly polar VOCs in a concentration range of sub-microgram per cubic metre to up to several milligrams per cubic metre. Using the principles described in this method, some very volatile compounds and semivolatile organic compounds can also be analysed.