Air measurements of dusts, chemicals, and fumes

Estimates of exposure in the workplace or in indoor environments begin with the actual sampling and analysis of the airborne contaminant or rely on a reconstruction of past exposures in the workplace. Direct-reading portable field instruments are being used to supplement laboratory-based analytical methods. The lowering of the OSHA permissible exposure limits and the rise of indoor air pollution concerns indicate the need for more innovative methods for detecting lung irritants and pathogens.