Protecting the health and safety of employees should always be a top priority of any organization, no matter its size or industry. When it comes to manufacturing facilities, the use of potentially harmful chemicals is commonly required as part of the process that leads to their final product. The appropriate level of employee exposure to these chemicals is often regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or established by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). By maintaining a strong occupational exposure monitoring program, employers can ensure proper employee safety and regulatory compliance.
Scroll down or click links below to read about some common chemicals of interest used in a manufacturing setting. In each section, you can click on the provided exposure limits to find details about the relevant chemical. To learn more about a product or order, click on its Assay Technology product number (e.g. 566AT).
Petrochemicals | Rubber | Medical Devices | Poultry Products | Pharmaceuticals | Flooring & Furniture | OEM Autobody, Boats, Vehicles |
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Petrochemicals
The petrochemical refining processes generates a number of organic vapors.
Chemical | Exposure Limits | Assay Technology Solution |
Benzene | OSHA PEL: 1 ppm
OSHA STEL: 5 ppm |
525AT |
Ethyl Benzene | OSHA PEL: 100 ppm
NIOSH STEL: 125 ppm |
566AT |
Toluene | OSHA PEL: 200 ppm
OSHA CEILING: 300 ppm |
566AT |
Total Hydrocarbons | None | 566AT |
Xylenes | OSHA PEL: 100 ppm
NIOSH STEL: 150 ppm |
566AT |
Rubber
Synthetic rubber manufacturing involves the use of several chemicals, including some carcinogens.
Chemical | Exposure Limits | Assay Technology Solution |
1,3-Butadiene | OSHA PEL: 1 ppm
OSHA STEL: 5 ppm |
566AT |
Acetonitrile | OSHA PEL: 40 ppm | 566AT |
Ethyl Benzene | OSHA PEL: 100 ppm
NIOSH STEL: 125 ppm |
566AT |
Styrene | OSHA PEL: 100 ppm
OSHA CEILING: 200 ppm |
566AT |
Pharmaceuticals
Many chemicals are used as raw materials, intermediaries, and in production of pharmaceuticals. The majority of these are organic vapors, especially alcohols.
Chemical | Exposure Limits | Assay Technology Solution |
Acetic acid | OSHA PEL: 10 ppm
NIOSH STEL: 15 ppm |
543AT |
Alcohols and other OVs | Check Sampling Guide | Mostly 546AT |
Amines | Check Sampling Guide | 585AT |
OEM Autobody, Boats, Vehicles
Many organic vapors are generated by vehicle part manufacturers during paint application and manufacture, as well as foam manufacture. Some of the most common of these are listed here.
Chemical | Exposure Limits | Assay Technology Solution |
Ethyl acetate | OSHA PEL: 400 ppm | 546AT |
Methylene chloride | OSHA PEL: 25 ppm
OSHA STEL: 125 ppm |
566AT |
Toluene | OSHA PEL: 200 ppm
OSHA CEILING: 300 ppm |
566AT |
Xylenes | OSHA PEL: 100 ppm
NIOSH STEL: 150 ppm |
566AT |