A simple and rapid method for the determination of aliphatic aldehydes (C-1 - C-4) in waste gas was developed. Sample collection and derivatization are performed directly in a sorption tube containing Chromosorb P impregnated with 2,4 - dinitrophenylhydrazine and catalyst. This methods allows direct injection of a methanol extract of a sorption tube into a chromatographic column. Detection limit of aldehydes is below 1 mg/m(3) for a 10 1 sample. The technique was used to measure aldehyde emissions from wood fired furnace.