Environmental
Chemical Vapor Monitoring Badges for Healthcare, Endoscopy & Ambulatory SurgeryHospitals, endoscopy units, ambulatory surgery centers and other healthcare facilities use chemicals for disinfection, sterilization and anesthesia. Depending on the procedures, products and ventilation in use, staff may be exposed to airborne chemical vapors.
Environmental Monitoring Tech provides chemical vapor monitoring badges with laboratory analysis for facilities evaluating potential workplace exposure to applicable airborne chemical vapors. EMT's badges provide laboratory-analyzed exposure data that can be compared with applicable occupational exposure limits.
The specific chemicals requiring monitoring depend on the materials and processes used at each facility. Employers should review current Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), applicable exposure limits and regulatory requirements when determining their monitoring needs.
Where Chemical Vapor Monitoring May Be Used
Chemical vapor monitoring may be applicable in areas such as:
- Endoscopy and GI procedure units
- Endoscope and instrument reprocessing areas
- Sterile processing departments
- Operating rooms and post-anesthesia care units
- Ambulatory surgery centers
- Hospitals and outpatient clinics
- Pathology and specimen handling areas
Chemical Vapors That May Be Encountered
Depending on the products and processes used at a facility, workers may potentially encounter chemical vapors such as:
Ortho-Phthalaldehyde (OPA)
A high-level disinfectant used in manual and automated endoscope reprocessing.
Glutaraldehyde
A high-level disinfectant used for cold sterilization of medical and endoscopy instruments that cannot be heat sterilized.
Ethylene Oxide (EtO)
A gas used to sterilize medical devices and instruments that cannot tolerate high heat.
Halogenated Anesthetics
Waste anesthetic gases used in operating rooms for sedation and general anesthesia.
Nitrous Oxide
A waste anesthetic gas that can be present in the air around staff in the room during procedures.
Hydrogen Peroxide
May be present in certain disinfection and sterilization processes.
Formaldehyde / Formalin
May be relevant where tissue specimens are preserved or handled.
Other Chemical Vapors
Healthcare disinfectants, sterilants and cleaning products can contain a variety of other volatile ingredients. Review your SDSs to identify the chemicals used in your workplace and determine appropriate monitoring requirements.
Simple Chemical Vapor Monitoring
EMT chemical vapor monitoring badges provide a convenient method for collecting samples for laboratory analysis.
- No minimum order
- No account required
- Laboratory analysis included
- Standard turnaround is approximately one week after laboratory receipt
- Rush analysis may be available with prior approval and an additional fee
- Individual chemical monitoring options are available for numerous workplace vapors
Not Sure Which Chemical You Need to Monitor?
Start by reviewing the product or chemical Safety Data Sheet (SDS), particularly the composition/ingredients and exposure-control sections. Chemical names and CAS numbers can help identify the appropriate monitoring option.
You can also contact EMT and send your SDS for help identifying an available monitoring option.
Information provided by Environmental Monitoring Tech is for general informational purposes only. Monitoring requirements vary according to workplace conditions, chemicals, processes and applicable regulations. Employers should follow applicable regulatory requirements and qualified workplace safety guidance.
