[en] Headspace (HS) analysis is an extraction method that utilizes the natural tendency of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to partition from the liquid phase to the gaseous phase. Simple equipment and disposable glassware are required to perform the extraction. As only the headspace is analyzed, the risk of contamination of analytical instruments is very low. The authors reported on simplified HS extraction performed at ambient temperature in different matrices. An evaluation of two methods of HS sampling was carried out. The methods were: HS sampling using the small liquid sampler vials, and injection by an automated liquid sampler (ALS). The authors examined and discussed the benefits and disadvantages of each method, and they compared these simplified sampling methods to a traditional HS method. The results indicated that the ALS-HS technique was not as sensitive because HS concentration is dependent on temperature. The simplified technique is adequate for field screening work, since it provides sub-parts per million level detection for the more volatile VOC. Solid phase micro extraction (SPME) can also be used to do HS sampling. In this case, the VOC is concentrated by the liquid coating of the SPME. The new method has been applied to water samples collected from a train derailment involving a spill of styrene and glycol. 6 refs., 4 tabs., 6 figs