The new standard will help protect workers from potential illness and injury.

Apr 13, 2026

ASTM International’s air quality committee (D22) has approved a new standard (D8569) that provides instructions for collecting surface samples from workplaces for non-volatile or semi-volatile organic chemicals. Such chemicals can contaminate workplace surfaces and pose health risks to workers.

“A standardized sampling procedure is needed to improve the consistency of workplace exposure assessments for these chemicals, as international legislation in this regard is evolving rapidly with limit values being proposed,” says ASTM member Steven Verpaele. “Companies that wish to demonstrate compliance or comment on the proposed limits should be able to evaluate exposure in a standardized manner.”

Verpaele, an industrial hygienist with the Nickel Institute, says that the workplace air quality subcommittee (D22.04) is actively seeking interested parties to join in the development of new standards and the maintenance of current standards.

“The importance of D22.04 is multifaceted, focusing primarily on worker safety, regulatory compliance, and risk management,” says Verpaele. “This is to ensure that the workplace adheres to acceptable safety standards, which are crucial in protecting workers from illnesses or injuries that can arise from exposure to hazardous substances.”

ASTM welcomes participation in the development of its standards. Join ASTM.

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