ACTRIS boosts the reliability of atmospheric VOC measurements

ACTRIS has been highlighted in a new case study by EURAMET for its contribution to advancing the measurement of atmospheric volatile organic compounds (VOCs), through its Centre for Trace Gases In Situ measurement (CiGas) for Calibration and Standardisation of VOCs.

VOCs play a key role in atmospheric chemistry and air quality, yet their measurement has long been challenged by the lack of harmonised and traceable methods. Within the MetClimVOC project, ACTRIS partnered with leading European metrology institutes to strengthen measurement accuracy and comparability across monitoring networks. The project focused on priority VOCs—including oxygenated VOCs, terpenes, and halogenated VOCs—by developing SI-traceable reference gas mixtures, uncertainty calculation protocols, and new guidance for long-term monitoring.

The impact of this collaboration is already visible: the 2024 update of the EU Air Quality Directive now includes several VOCs beyond formaldehyde, acknowledging their importance for both environmental and health policies.

This case study underlines ACTRIS’s role in providing reliable, standardised data and services that support science-based policy and regulatory frameworks.

👉 Read the full EURAMET case study here.

👉 Find more about ACTRIS CiGas