In this study, the homogeneity and stability of standard samples for proficiency testing in indoor air quality within the country (formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, p-xylene, styrene, TVOC) were evaluated. The procedures and statistical analysis methods applied in ISO/IEC 13528 (2009) and KS A ISO Guide 35 (2005) were applied as evaluation methods. The homogeneity evaluation was a statistical analysis of repeated measurements of each of the 11 ports and between the 11 ports concentration data. As a result, the coefficient of variation (CV) was within the range of 1.9%~5.9%. The difference between the ports was found to be insignificant and met the statistical standard specified in KS Q ISO 13528. The stability evaluation was assessed by the change in concentration over the long-term stability of the standard samples stored for 90 days. The coefficient of variation (CV), which was within the range of 2.6%~9.0%, exhibited changes in the concentration of the long-term stored standard samples. However, the results satisfy the statistical standard specified in KS A ISO Guide 35. Overall, there is no significant difference between the homogeneity of the standard samples by the port and the stability of the long-term stored samples. Therefore, it is considered to be an appropriate method to supply standard samples in an indoor air quality proficiency test.

This study was carried out to provide the stable and homogeneous sample for the proficiency test which was applied for the olfactory dilution method of the offensive odor. For this purpose, the relationship between VOCs concentration and air dilution test results were analysed. As the results, the mixture of 7.1 ppm of toluene and m-xylene were suitable as a low level of PTM(proficiency test material) for air dilution olfactory method. In addition, time stability and homogeneity between samples were investigated through the time of 6 hr ~ 48 hr. As the results, the stability of sample concentration with GC analysis was shown as 5.1% RSD for toluene and 6.8 %RSD for xylene, respectively. The stability of sample was 5.4 %RSD in terms of air dilution olfactory method.

Since 2011, proficiency test for the air dilution olfactory method started in Korea for the evaluation of the authorized odor inspection agencies’ analysis skill. For this purpose, sulfur compounds of PTMs (proficiency test materials) were made and investigated for the application to the proficiency test as a complex malodor sample. Time stability and homogeneity between samples were analysed for the PTM which was made with 10 ppm of DMS and 10 ppm of DMDS. As the results, the stability of sample concentration with GC analysis was shown around 6%RSD through the time of 6~48 hr. In addition, dilution number during the same test period appeared almost stable, less than 6%RSD in air dilution olfactory method. The reproducibility results of four laboratories showed very similar results except one lab which was caused by the elder panel characteristics.