The regulation OSHA 1910.1000 requires employers to limit airborne exposure to hundreds of hazardous chemicals. Chemical specific regulations like those for formaldehyde, asbestos, and lead commonly require employers to provide routine monitoring of airborne concentrations.

All hazardous chemicals present in the workplace must be identified. Information available for these chemicals is evaluated for potential exposures hazards.

Monitoring methods vary in their accuracy and specificity. They are primarily determined by the physical form and exposure route of the chemical to be evaluated. Simple screening methods can be used to quickly determine if a hazardous chemical is present or not. Direct reading instruments may provide adequate monitoring in some cases. The need for a more accurate determination of concentration often requires collecting a sample of the air contaminant and sending it to an analytical laboratory. Multiple samples may be necessary to statistically determine exposure concentration.