Draft Document
Revised: February 2015 by A Lamba
Draft Inhalation Monitoring Data Collection Guidelines
Developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics
Risk Assessment Division1
INTRODUCTION
At times, OPPT might request inhalation monitoring or sampling data to help evaluate the
health risk to employees from exposure to new or existing substances covered under the Toxic
Substances Control Act (TSCA).
To help ensure that the appropriate data is received to allow OPPT/RAD to conduct its review
and to minimize the need for additional efforts on the part of the submitter, the following
guidance provides information on developing an inhalation monitoring study protocol prior to
conducting monitoring. This document provides general guidance to environmental, safety,
and health professionals for conducting monitoring studies to assess inhalation exposure
concerns in the workplace. It does not cover all individual situations or special circumstances.
Monitoring studies should be undertaken by a qualified individuals like industrial hygienists
who have been trained in the evaluation and control of workplace exposures.
If monitoring has already been completed, improvements or additions may need to be made to
the final monitoring report so that all necessary aspects are addressed before OPPT/RAD can
evaluate the study. Incomplete protocols and/or results may not be adequate for OPPT/RAD to
fully evaluate exposures or exposure potential, and may require additional work on the part of
the submitter. Although comprehensive exposure assessment is not needed or required by
OPPT/RAD, all monitoring studies should ideally fit within the structure of a larger exposure
assessment plan and implementation of a complete industrial hygiene program at the
worksites.
MONITORING PROTOCOL
Use the following outline and questions to assist in the development of the inhalation
monitoring study protocol. Your monitoring report should provide pertinent information for
Sections A-F below.
1 A 2002 draft of these guidelines was developed by the Chemical Engineering Branch (CEB). CEB was integrated
with the Risk Assessment Division in 2014.
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A.	Objective of the Monitoring Study:
Consider the following questions to determine and identify the objective of the monitoring
study. Clearly describe the objective of the monitoring study in the monitoring report you
•	What are the final data results sought through this study?
•	What are the exposures of concern?
•	What is the target population of workers?
•	Is the study designed to assess acute or chronic exposures? This will affect the pattern and
duration of sampling, and also possibly the media used to collect the samples.
•	Is the objective to determine average or worst-case exposures to the substance?
•	If the data are from a previous study, the purpose of the original data collection or study
may have been different than the current objective.
•	Was personal monitoring conducted in a way that will give an accurate picture regarding
exposure to the substance of concern, particularly if the original purpose of the monitoring
study was different?
•	If the purpose of monitoring was different, such as prompted by a specific, unrelated
incident, was the monitoring method one which will accurately characterize the exposures
currently under evaluation? For example, are long-term exposures (months or years), shift-
long exposures, or short-term exposure (15 minutes or less) of the greatest interest in
evaluating exposures?
•	Although not necessary for OPPT purposes, it may be useful to consider how the objective
of this monitoring study fits logically into a larger exposure assessment framework for the
workplace. As noted in the introduction, any individual sampling plan or objective should
be part of a larger exposure assessment strategy for the entire workplace. This exposure
assessment should include identifying all workplace hazards, developing similar employee
exposure groups, conducting baseline exposure monitoring and/or modeling studies where
necessary to characterize the hazards, using follow-up monitoring and/or modeling as
needed to confirm compliance with relevant exposure thresholds, and evaluating exposures
using both the results and professional judgment.
B.	Sampling Strategy/Sampling Methods:
Describe the sampling plan and methodology.
•	A large number of sampling protocols and methods exist for conducting field industrial
hygiene monitoring. These are generally substance-specific methods or methods that are
specific to the physical properties of the chemical being sampled (for example, many
airborne solids and dusts can be sampled in very similar manner). Both the National
Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), see
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http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2003-154/, and the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA), see http://www.0sha.g0v/dts/sltc./meth0ds/index,html, have lists
of analytical sampling methods that have already been developed. If the substance is a new
chemical without an established sampling method, contact an industrial hygiene laboratory
or any professional analytical laboratory to get information on developing a new sampling
method or adapting an existing method for sampling the new chemical substance. In some
cases, analog sampling data (i.e., for a similar substance used in an identical operation) may
also be acceptable data.
•	Has the sampling method been validated by an independent organization (i.e, NIOSH, OSHA,
the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the International Standards
Organization (ISO) etc.)?
•	What sampling media or direct reading instrument will be used? What is the strategy that
will be used for sample collection, including sample location, flow rates, sampling time, and
sample replication?
•	Will enough samples be taken to ensure that the results are statistically significant for the
population of concern?
•	Will a worst-probable or a random sampling strategy be employed?
•	Will be samples collected be representative of the the desired fractions, e.g., for
particulates, are both inhalable and respirable fractions needed or just one.
1. Guidance on Developing a Sampling Strategy
Once a sampling and analytical protocol has been identified, a sampling strategy must be
developed. A number of strategies and methodologies have been proposed to determine the
appropriate number of samples that will be necessary to estimate exposure profiles for specific
tasks. Although models have been developed to assist with this task, professional judgment is
also important in determining the appropriate number of samples to be taken. Before
considering the number of samples needed, identify and categorize the major types of
processes to be evaluated and the different types of job tasks associated with each of these
processes. Worker groupings by specific job tasks are commonly referred to as similar exposure
groups (SEGs).2 Once the major processes, job tasks, and similar exposure groups have been
outlined, specific sampling can be planned.
Four sample groups or types should be identified and considered for the sampling strategy:
1.	Identify the employees at the greatest risk of exposure to the chemical within the
exposure group or job task to be evaluated and collect samples from this subgroup to
assess likely maximum exposures.
2.	Identify locations in which to conduct process sampling (sometimes referred to as area
2 Ignacio J. S. & Bullock W. H. (Editors). A Strategy for Assessing and Managing Occupational Exposures.
3rd Ed. AIHA Press. 2006.
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sampling) to map possible worker exposures in and around relevant process equipment.
This may help to identify one or more job tasks or SEGs where maximum exposures are
likely to occur.
3.	In addition to sampling for maximum exposures within a job task, it is also prudent to
randomly select workers for personal monitoring within the defined job task or SEG in
order to determine typical or average exposures in this group (please see section below,
"The Importance of Random Sampling", for more information on random sample
selection).
4.	Where relevant, be sure to identify and select workers in non-routine (i.e., maintenance
activities) for personal monitoring to determine likely worst-case and typical exposures
for these activities, particularly if these non-routine tasks are integral to the identified
daily or routine job tasks.
Note: Sometimes it is not possible to determine a maximum risk exposure group. If this is the
case, random sampling techniques should be used for sample selection in all similar exposure
groups and for process sampling.
2. Determining the Number of Samples to Collect
It is important to determine the appropriate number of samples needed to get statistically
significant results from a sampling study. The number of samples needed will depend on a
number of different factors, including the objective of the monitoring study, the characteristics
of the SEG (e.g. degree of homogeneity), and the actual measured levels of exposure relative to
an occupational exposure limit (OEL) or threshold of concern.
A Strategy for Assessing and Managing Occupational Exposures,3 published by the American
Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), recommends that samples should be collected up to a
statistical point of diminishing returns for each sample type or similar exposure group.
According to this strategy, statistics show that there will be a point at which additional samples
will not significantly improve confidence in the overall results. Assuming a normal population
distribution and using a t-table, the maximum value derived from taking additional samples is
reached after about 6 to 10 measurements within a defined SEG. Typically, at least six
measurements should be taken for each SEG to ensure with sufficient confidence that
exposures for the SEG have been adequately characterized. If initial measurements
demonstrate that exposures are far less than 10% of the threshold of concern or higher than
the actual threshold of concern, fewer measurements may be needed. For exposures very near
the threshold of concern or OEL, more than six measurements will likely be needed to
determine that exposures are, in fact, consistently below the threshold of concern (up to 10 or
more measurements). Professional judgment should be used to make this determination,
3 Ignacio J. S. & Bullock W. H. (Editors). A Strategy for Assessing and Managing Occupational Exposures. 3rd Ed.
AIHA Press. 2006.
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taking into account factors such as the cost of additional sampling relative to the cost of
controls to limit exposures, and the level of statistical confidence in the results that is desired or
needed.4 The chart on the following page shows the increased confidence achieved by
increasing the number of samples taken:
Effect of Sample Size on Estimating Population Mean and Standard Deviation5
O
%
-10.
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4 Ibid,
5lgnacio J. S. & Bullock W. H. (Editors). A Strategy for Assessing and Managing Occupational Exposures. 3rd Ed.
AIHA Press. 2006.
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3. If A Minimum Level of 90% Confidence in Sampling Results is Desired
If it is desired or necessary to obtain at least 90% confidence that maximum exposures are the
results and may result in accurately characterized by the sampling results for a particular SEG,
regardless of exposure monitoring or control costs, the following table can be used to estimate
the minimum number of samples that will be necessary to achieve this level of statistical
certainty. This table is published by NIOSH in their Occupational Exposure Sampling Strategy
Manual, Chapter 3 (1977). If the number of workers in a SEG is known, the table provides the
number of samples required to ensure with 90% confidence that at least one individual among
those with the highest 10% of exposures for that SEG is contained in the sample set. As
indicated above, however, additional samples over 10 within a single exposure group may not
provide a great deal of additional confidence in significant additional sampling costs and time to
complete the sampling study. Professional judgment should be used to determine cases where
more than 10 samples are necessary to evaluate exposures.6
Size of Partial Sample for Top 10% Exposure at a Confidence Level of 0.907
Size of Group
N
Number of
Required Samples
8
7
9
8
10
9
11-12
10
13-14
11
15-17
12
18-20
13
21-24
14
25-29
15
30-37
16
6National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. Occupational Exposure Sampling Strategy Manual, Chapter
3: Exposure Measurement Sampling Strategy, pp. 34-35. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 77-173, January 1977.
htJD^'ww w.cdc.go\'/jiii^i^77-173.htni!
National institute of Occupational Safety and Health. Occupational Exposure Sampling Strategy Manual, Chapter
3: Exposure Measurement Sampling Strategy, pp. 35. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 77-173, January 1977.
http:1 i\\ ww edc,_go\ 'niosh'7J-l.73.html
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Size of Group
N
Number of
Required Samples
38-49
17
50
18
4. The Importance of Random Sampling
If it was not possible to determine an individual employee or group of employees with
maximum risk for exposure, random sample selection techniques should be employed. Often,
this can be difficult given real-world constraints, but in general, the use of certain sample
selection techniques will improve the likelihood that the samples collected accurately
characterize the exposure variability within an SEG.
To conduct random sampling, sampling incidents should be chosen at random first by date,
then by shift, and then by worker. During random sampling, samples should not be conducted
in clusters (i.e., such as over a one-week period), but over a longer period of time. This period
of time should be long enough to adequately capture exposure variability, but not so long that
it affects the completion of the sampling study within a reasonable period of time. Multiple
dates for sampling should be selected with no consideration for any particular conditions or
events that could affect worker exposures. After multiple sampling dates are chosen, multiple
work shifts, where applicable, and multiple workers must also be sampled to fully characterize
exposure variability and reduce bias in the results.
Random sampling may be especially difficult for non-routine operations such as maintenance
work. However, creative approaches can sometimes be used to conduct random sampling for
these types of tasks. Examples include using a shorter sample time, or using a combination of
full-shift sampling along with measurements from direct reading instruments.8
C. Laboratory Analysis/Analytical Method:
Describe where the laboratory analysis was conducted and what analytical chemistry method
was used.
• Has the analytical method used been validated by a third party (e.g., was a specific NIOSH,
OSHA, or ASTM method used)?
8 Ignacio J. S. & Bullock W. H. (Editors). A Strategy for Assessing and Managing Occupational Exposures. 3rd Ed.
AIHA Press. 2006.
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•	Has the laboratory that is selected for conducting analysis been accredited by a relevant
industrial hygiene organization, such as the AIHA?
•	What types of analytical methods are used by the laboratory to ensure accuracy and
precision (e.g., how many analyses are conducted of the same extract of a collected
sample)?
•	If applicable, what type of specific direct reading instrument(s) were used for monitoring,
and why? What is the level of detection, accuracy, and precision that can be obtained from
this type of instrument?
D.	Quality Assurance:
Discuss the number of samples collected, how many shifts and workers were sampled, how
these shifts and workers were selected for inclusion, how the samples were stored after
collection, and how they were transported to the laboratory for analysis.
•	Were specific steps taken for quality assurance purposes (i.e., were blank samples or spiked
samples sent to the laboratory along with the field samples collected)?
•	Were the recommended sample storage and transport procedures followed prior to
analysis?
•	If used, were direct reading instruments properly calibrated? What error rate can be
expected from the instrument measurements?
•	How was the number of samples that were taken determined?
•	If applicable, were individual workers and shifts randomly selected for sampling using
appropriate methods?
•	Were the samples properly collected to assess intended exposures (i.e., average or worst-
case exposures)?
E.	Sampling Results and Discussion:
Provide a summary of the results of the monitoring study. Include units, sampling time
intervals, and limits of detection where applicable. Provide any necessary context or evaluation
of the results.
•	Describe any equations or calculations used to evaluate the results, including exposure
assessment calculations, statistical calculations, or mathematical exposure modeling done
using the data collected.
•	Characterize the results in terms of the population targeted in the monitoring study (i.e.,
individual SEGs, etc.).
•	Discuss the uncertainties in the results.
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•	Compare the results to previous monitoring studies.
F. Description of Industrial Hygiene Program:
Briefly describe the industrial hygiene program at the facility where the monitoring study was
conducted.
•	Is a written industrial hygiene program in place? What are the basic elements of the
program?
•	What types of controls (i.e., ventilation, work practices, respirators) are in place to prevent
inhalation exposure, as well as other types of exposure?
•	What types of employee training are conducted to inform workers of the hazards related to
their jobs?
•	What types of evaluation methods are used to assess the effectiveness of the program?
How frequently is monitoring conducted? How often is the program evaluated?
If you have any questions regarding this guidance, please contact Anjali Lamba, RAD Industrial
Hygienist, at (202) 564-0996; lamba.anjali(S)epa.Rov or theOPPT/RAD engineer for your case.
References
Hewett, Paul. Past Chair, Exposure Assessment Strategies Committee, American Industrial
Hygiene Association. Unpublished/Verbal communication: General Guidance on Developing an
Exposure Assessment Strategy. April 2002.
Ignacio J. S. & Bullock W. H. (Editors). A Strategy for Assessing and Managing Occupational
Exposures. 3rd Ed. AIHA Press. 2006.
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. Occupational Exposure Sampling Strategy
Manual, Chapter 3: Exposure Measurement Sampling Strategy, pp. 34-35. DHHS (NIOSH)
Publication No. 77-173, January 1977. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/77-173.html
Plog, Barbara, ed. Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene, Third Edition: Chapter 17, Methods of
Evaluation, pp. 397-416. National Safety Council, 1988.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Technical Document for Characterizing and Presenting
Summary Chemical Exposure Assessment Results (working draft), presented at the Voluntary
Children's Chemical Evaluation Program Workshop, December 11-13, 2001.
http://www.epa.Rov/chGmrtk/etcchdoc.pdf.
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