This study compares levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a laboratory-prepared soil as determined by headspace gas chromatography and the EPA SW-846 purge and trap gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method (Method 8240). Vapor exposure was chosen as the method of contaminating the soil with trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, benzene, tricholoethylene and toluene. Preliminary results showed the concentrations of the four compounds determined by the two analytical procedures were not significantly different at the 95% confidence interval for two levels of contamination. These findings indicate that headspace gas chromatography may have significant potential for hazardous waste assessment and cleanup programs.