A method based on a combination of condensation and adsorption in series using gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry for subsequent determination has been developed for the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOC) emitted during oven drying of biomass materials in air at 105 degrees C. Blank values, linearity, response factors, recovery and extraction efficiency have been studied. The results show recoveries of total amount of volatile matter (moisture and VOC) better than 98% for most materials. The recovery including extraction efficiency for the model substance alpha-pinene was determined to be 98%, while the corresponding value for the model substance hexanal was less than 60%. A screening investigation of 20 different biomass materials concerning loss of VOC during oven drying have been carried out. The results show significant losses of VOC only for a few materials. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.