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NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods

NMAM is a collection of methods for sampling and analysis of contaminants in workplace air, and in the blood and urine of workers who are occupationally exposed. These methods have been developed or adapted by NIOSH or its partners and have been evaluated according to established experimental protocols and performance criteria. NMAM also includes chapters on quality assurance, sampling, portable instrumentation, etc.

Spotlight

NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods Provides Analytical Tools that Help Keep Workers Safe This Impact Sheet gives an example of how the application of NIOSH methods can contribute to improved worker health.
Consideration of Sampler Wall Deposits Inclusion of material adhering to internal cassette surfaces during sampling and analysis of airborne particles

Find a Method:

Chemical Name

Chemical CAS Number

Method Number

Chapters

The NMAM Chapters contain useful information on methods, Quality Assurance, method evaluation, biological monitoring, aerosols, and special measurement considerations.

Additional Information

NIOSH recommends that the best method available be used for making each measurement. Methods published by others, such as OSHA, MSHA, EPA, ASTM, ISO or commercial suppliers of sampling and analytical equipment, may have advantages over NIOSH methods for a given sampling situation. (An Industrial Hygienist should determine the sampling protocol, considering analytical accuracy, cost, and optimum sample number.) Every method should undergo an initial evaluation to demonstrate performance. When a method is used in a laboratory that did not perform the initial evaluation, that laboratory should verify that comparable results can be obtained. NIOSH methods may need to be modified, and if modified, should be re-evaluated. Various OSHA regulations (e.g. benzene) mention performance criteria for evaluating whatever method is used.

NIOSH has published methods developed in cooperating laboratories. These method performance have been evaluated using established experimental protocols. These methods were selected based upon priorities established in a joint NIOSH/AIHA survey of participating laboratories.

NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM®), 4th ed.
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication 94-113 (August, 1994),
1st Supplement Publication 96-135, 2nd Supplement Publication 98-119, 3rd Supplement 2003-154

Current contacts: Kevin Ashley (kea0@cdc.gov) & Paula Fey O’Connor (pfo1@cdc.gov), Eds.