Routine air sampling and/or monitoring of airborne chemical hazards to determine personal exposures is not usually warranted in laboratories because chemicals are typically used for relatively short time periods, in small quantities, and/or inside laboratory fume hoods. EHSS will conduct chemical air sampling/monitoring to investigate chemical odor complaints, assess the potential for personal exposures to hazardous chemicals above an occupational exposure limit, and as requested by the PI. The results of air sampling/monitoring conducted will be reviewed to determine if an OSHA permissible exposure limit has been exceeded, and/or if controls need to be put in place to reduce exposures. The results chemical air sampling and monitoring will be sent to the PI and other potentially affected laboratory personnel. A copy of the chemical air sampling/ monitoring results will be kept on file in at EHSS.
Laboratory personnel should call DPS at 315.443.2224 if they suspect they have been overexposed to a hazardous chemical, and/or are displaying adverse health effects or symptoms of any exposure.