As a result of the private burning of wood, concentrations of levoglucosan, mannosan and galactosan in the air are usually increased during the winter months. By contrast, a greater contribution of sugar components originating from biogenic sources can be anticipated in the summer months. Optimum separation and sensitivity of the saccharide markers that collect on air filters are achieved on the Metrosep Carb 2 - 150/2.0 column with subsequent pulsed amperometric detection.